Press releases
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1,232 rows where state = "AR" and year = 2015 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://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=6233b924-df4e-445c-82fa-11d43eb1957a | 2015 in Review | 2015-12-30 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | As we close the book on another year and celebrate the excitement and promise of a New Year, I want to highlight some of the Senates accomplishments in 2015. Under new Republican leadership, the Senate set out to restore responsibility to the fiscal process. We passed the first bicameral budget since 2009. More importantly, the first balanced budget since 2001. And all twelve appropriations bills were approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee for the first time in six years. We took big strides in providing relief to hardworking Arkansans and their families. Most significantly, we passed the first Obamacare repeal bill that will make it to the Presidents desk. The legislation we passed would begin to lift the burdens and higher costs the failed program has placed on every Arkansan. It begins to build a bridge from the presidents broken promises to a better health care system for hardworking families across the country. The Obamacare repeal isnt the only relief we have sought to provide the people of Arkansas from the Obama Administrations regulatory excesses. The Senate has passed measures to overturn the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) mandate and the carbon rules on new and existing power plants, two glaring examples of administration overreach. These EPA mandates strip Arkansans of their personal property rights, stifle job growth and will raise the cost-of-living for every Arkansan. While the President will likely veto these bills, Senate passage of them sends a clear message of disapproval of these policies on behalf of the American people. Certainly not all of our accomplishments have met a veto pen. People often ask me why Congress cant work together to get things done for the American people. I can honestly say that we are. We started off the year with by passing the groundbreaking Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act to ensure our veterans receive mental health services. We also prevented a cut to Medicare providers that would have … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/dr-boozman-s-check-up?ContentRecord_id=09292d05-ca48-400f-b57a-94d8508c501f | Important Note Regarding Senate Server Outage and Incoming Communication on December 22nd | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | The U.S. Senate experienced a system-wide email outage Tuesday, December 22nd from approximately 6am - 10am (CST). If you made a request via my website during that time please re-send the information. This includes requests for tours and flags, help with government agencies, and the email option to share your opinion on federal issues. Your views and requests are very important to me. If you have any questions don't hesitate to call my office. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=6dc43b99-7825-4371-b948-dfec3ec5a4b0 | The Season of Giving | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Like many Arkansas households, my home is filled with the sights, sounds and smells of the Christmas season. My wife Cathy enjoys decorating our home and baking cookies, andIalways look forward to spending more time with my family and friends. We have many family traditions and it is especially heartwarming to see my daughters now sharing these moments with my granddaughters. In addition to the activities close to home, our hearts turn to others during this season of giving. The generosity of Arkansans, and their willingness to help people in need during the holiday season, is always on display. The Salvation Armys Red Kettle campaign is a well-recognized tradition that encourages contributing money to those in need. Not only do Arkansans open their wallets, they also volunteer to ring the familiar sound of the bells that we hear where we see those red kettles. The Salvation Armys Angel Tree program relies on the support of Arkansans to help families who struggle to make ends meet provide Christmas gifts for their children. Youve likely seen Christmas trees at the mall filled with the angels that list the needs and wishes of local children. Each year Arkansans open their hearts to make the season brighter for children in need. The kindness of Arkansans helps thousands of children and families in our state experience the joys of giving and brings hope to those who need it most. In this season of giving we thank those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our nation and gave their life to our country. Earlier this month, Arkansans joined people all across the country to pay tribute to our fallen service members and veterans by placing a Christmas wreath on the graves at state and national veteran cemeteries. It is a humbling moment when you lay a wreath at the National Cemetery and reflect on the service of someone close to your heart. It is even more humbling to remember how many Americans have chosen to serve our nation and how many of them have paid with their lives. I hope you will take a moment to re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=283 | Cotton Responds to Apple CEO Tim Cook's Comments on 60 Minutes | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 21, 2015 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R- Arkansas) today issued the following statement in response to Apple CEO Tim Cook's comments on 60 Minutes last night: "Apple is a distinctive company that has improved the lives of millions of Americans. But Tim Cook omitted critical facts about data encryption on 60 Minutes last night. He claimed that Apple does not comply with lawful subpoenas because it cannot. While it may be true that Apple doesn't have access to encrypted data, that's only because it designed its messaging service that way. As a society, we don't allow phone companies to design their systems to avoid lawful, court-ordered searches. If we apply a different legal standard to companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook, we can expect them to become the preferred messaging services of child pornographers, drug traffickers, and terrorists alike--which neither these companies nor law enforcement want. Our society needs to address this urgent challenge now before more lives are lost or shattered." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-votes-against-new-spending-in-omnibus | Crawford Votes Against New Spending in Omnibus | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Eric A. "Rick" Crawford | C001087 | crawford.house.gov | crawford | https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-1) released the following statement after voting against the Consolidated Appropriations Act which passed the House by a vote of 316-113. "This omnibus package breaks through our budget caps with $50 billion in new spending, new spending that adds to our national debt at a time when the federal reserve is raising interest rates on that debt. The bill did include several policies which would help move America forward, but those policies did not outweigh the cost of increasing our national debt, which is already more than $19 trillion. Next year this body must rededicate itself to prioritizing permanent spending controls and policies that truly reflect the will of a majority of the American people." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z |
| https://crawford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398453 | Crawford Votes Against New Spending in Omnibus | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Rick Crawford | C001087 | crawford.house.gov | legacy | Crawford Votes Against New Spending in Omnibus f t # e Washington, December 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-1) released the following statement after voting against the Consolidated Appropriations Act which passed the House by a vote of 316-113. "This omnibus package breaks through our budget caps with $50 billion in new spending, new spending that adds to our national debt at a time when the federal reserve is raising interest rates on that debt. The bill did include several policies which would help move America forward, but those policies did not outweigh the cost of increasing our national debt, which is already more than $19 trillion. Next year this body must rededicate itself to prioritizing permanent spending controls and policies that truly reflect the will of a majority of the American people. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-votes-pro-growth-omnibus-bill | Hill Votes for Pro-Growth Omnibus Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2029, Consolidated Appropriations Act by a vote of 316-113. Following passage of the bill, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the below statement: Throughout the course of this year, the House passed all twelve appropriations bills out of Committee and passed six of those bills out of the House. This is how the appropriations process should work, and if the Senate Democrats hadnt stymied regular order and dealt with individual appropriations bills in a timely way and the President hadnt insisted on holding military funding hostage to support more deficit spending for his domestic agenda, we would not have had to pass this after-midnight spending deal today. My preference always has been to live under the budget caps, which have reigned in domestic discretionary spending. But we can never reverse our annual negative fiscal trends without tackling mandatory spending programs. The next President must join Congress in this essential mission. The inaction of Senate Democrats led us to today, and while I dont like these year-end, all-encompassing spending bills, I voted for this one because the good significantly outweighs the bad. Part of being an effective legislator is understanding that any opportunity to move the needle in the right directionno matter how incremental the movementis a positive outcome. In passing todays bill, we continue the fight against the Presidents failed health care law while protecting important pro-life policies, supporting our military, improving our Nations economy, reigning in the IRS, and cutting funding to the EPA. By delaying Obamacare taxes, preventing funds from being used to bailout the risk corridor program, and prohibiting new funding for Obamacare, we are providing important relief for businesses and hardworking taxpayers. Pro-life protections in this bill will also prevent taxpayer funding of abortions and prevent discrimination of health providers who refuse to provide, pay for, or refer abortions. The… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1101 | Hill Votes for Pro-Growth Omnibus Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2029, Consolidated Appropriations Act by a vote of 316-113. Following passage of the bill, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the below statement... share: f t Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2029, Consolidated Appropriations Act by a vote of 316-113. Following passage of the bill, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the below statement: Throughout the course of this year, the House passed all twelve appropriations bills out of Committee and passed six of those bills out of the House. This is how the appropriations process should work, and if the Senate Democrats hadn't stymied regular order and dealt with individual appropriations bills in a timely way and the President hadn't insisted on holding military funding hostage to support more deficit spending for his domestic agenda, we would not have had to pass this after-midnight spending deal today. My preference always has been to live under the budget caps, which have reigned in domestic discretionary spending. But we can never reverse our annual negative fiscal trends without tackling mandatory spending programs. The next President must join Congress in this essential mission. The inaction of Senate Democrats led us to today, and while I don't like these year-end, all-encompassing spending bills, I voted for this one because the good significantly outweighs the bad. Part of being an effective legislator is understanding that any opportunity to move the needle in the right directionno matter how incremental the movementis a positive outcome. In passing today's bill, we continue the fight against the President's failed health care law while protecting important pro-life policies, supporting our military, improving our Nation's economy, reigning in the IRS, and cutting funding to the EPA. By delaying Obamacare taxes, preventing funds from being used to bailout the risk corridor program, and prohibiting new funding for… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/westerman-votes-against-convoluted-omnibus | Westerman Votes Against Convoluted Omnibus | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) voted Friday (Dec. 18) against the Omnibus spending package. He released the following statement after Fridays vote: The Omnibus above all else increases deficit spending. As an individual committed to fiscal responsibility, I could not vote for this bill that would increase deficit spending by billions of dollars, Westerman said. The Omnibus was also a convoluted bill that addressed hundreds of different issues, mixing policy riders with appropriations. This bill did not follow regular order in the House, allowing items into the bill without open debate or committee review. If regular order had been followed in the House, we could have debated issues such as further funding of Planned Parenthood, money for settlement of Syrian refugees to the United States, and many other fiscal and policy issues that are important to Americans. Instead, this bill, which includes issues that I both support and oppose, adds to the deficit continuing to make our debt grow which outweighs benefits the bill provides in the long run. The following items were among many included in the Omnibus spending package: An increase of more than $250 million to the Internal Revenue Service after the IRS has been found to be targeting individuals based on political beliefs; Funding for Planned Parenthood; and A short-term increase in the U.S. Forest Services firefighting budget which undercuts Westermans Resilient Federal Forests Act, a bill that passed the House in July. Under Westermans bill, the Stafford Act would be amended to cover wildfires as a disaster under FEMA and would direct the Forest Service to conduct active forest management practices, including thinning and controlled burns. The language included in the Omnibus is far from a long-term fix and instead continues the practice of so-called fire borrowing to cover firefighting costs in Americas national forests and merely throws more money at the symptoms of bad policy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398639 | Womack Statement on Consolidated Appropriations Act | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today released the following statement after House passage of the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2029 with House Amendment #1 Consolidated Appropriations Act: In any negotiation there is give and take, and I certainly would have liked to see more in this Omnibus agreement, including language to block some of President Obamas most harmful policies such as Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and his plan to allow Syrian refugees into America. However, failing to provide for our men and women in uniform is simply not an option, and this bill does so while strengthening our nations security by tightening requirements under our visa waiver program and increasing funding for our troops as they prepare to face more radical and more complex enemies. I am hopeful that in the new year with the funding of government behind us, the House will quickly act to directly challenge the Presidents most egregious policies. Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansass Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor-Health and Human Services subcommittees and the House Committee on the Budget. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/dr-boozman-s-check-up?ContentRecord_id=41ccaad5-bdb6-4a3e-b8c6-b859b0951f8a | ICYMI: KFFB Open Mic | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | I recently joined KFFBs Bob Connell to talk about some of the headlines in the news and the work Congress did to wrap up the year which including passing a long-term highway bill. You can listen to our discussion that aired over three days. KFFB Open Mic Day One, KFFB Open Mic Day Two, KFFB Open Mic Day Three | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4801dfa5-62ce-4283-b58f-523a24535b32 | Boozman Joins Minnesota Senators to Introduce National Child Protection Training Act | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN) today introduced the National Child Protection Training Act, a bipartisan bill that seeks to improve child abuse training programs and enhance child protection nationwide. The bill would build on the success of the National Child Protection Training Centers (NCPTC) facilities at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, and at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, Arkansas. These centers have developed cutting-edge curricula, certification and degree programs, and classes for law students, medical students, and professionals to help improve child abuse training. Our children deserve the best opportunities we can provide to keep them safe and help them overcome issues resulting from abuse.This bill expands on the success of theSouthern Regional Training Center at the Northwest Arkansas Community Collegeand provides our child advocates with the tools and resources they need to support victims of child abuse, Boozman said. As a former prosecutor and major advocate on this issue, Ive seen firsthand what a difference the right resources can make to children and families trying to escape the horrors of child abuse, Klobuchar said. I have visited Winona State many times, and have seen the good work their National Child Protection Training program is doing to put a stop to child abuse and give victims the support they deserve. This bill will help build on the success of the Winona State program at centers across the country and help make sure our childcare advocates have the tools and training they need to identify and prevent child abuse. "Making sure that people who work closely with children have the appropriate training to detect signs of child abuse is one of the best ways to protect our children," Franken said. "Our bipartisan bill would take a successful Minnesota-based program and expand it nationwide by giving professionals who work with kids the tools they need to help detect and prevent abuse." The b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=60c10aaf-5f75-4adb-aec9-fa016bfdfa21 | Boozman Opposes Spending Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman released the following statement after voting against the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016. This is a setback to efforts to control federal spending. This $1.1 trillion bill grows the federal government and busts the budget caps with $50 billion in new spending. This bill does little to provide regulatory relief for Arkansas farmers, small businesses and community banks, while continuing to fund the worst of the Obama administrations overreach. There are a number of provisions in the bill that I support because they will help Arkansans, including the repeal of Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL), funding for the Delta Regional Authority and delaying the implementation of Obamacares taxes. The bill also permanently extendsSection 179 of the tax code, extends bonus depreciation for five years and includes the Timber Revitalization and Economic Enhancement (TREE) Act. These provisions will provide certainty and incentivize small businesses to make investments and expand. Unfortunately, theirresponsiblespending outweighs the good in the bill. The Senate Committee on Appropriations passed all 12 appropriations bills for the first time since 2009. Senate-passage of these bills and the return to regular order and open and transparent debate is the path to fiscal responsibility that we must follow to show taxpayers we are serious about reining in federal spending. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=282 | Cotton Statement on the Omnibus Spending Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the omnibus spending bill: "A rotten process yields a rotten result, and this 2,000-page, trillion-dollar bill is rotten to its core, resulting from secret, backroom negotiations and getting dumped in the dead of the night on Americans with barely two days before the vote. Corporate lobbyists had a field day, but working Americans lost out. Take just one sordid example: this bill will quadruple the number of foreign guest-worker visas at a time when millions of Americans are still looking for full-time work and working-class wages remain stagnant. "It's especially disappointing that the new House leadership, in fewer than two months on the job, broke its promise not to bring major immigration legislation to the floor this year. One must wonder how many other promises in the Capitol have an expiration date. But one need not wonder why our voters are in open rebellion and our presidential candidates are successfully running against Congress." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-votes-promote-pro-growth-tax-changes | Hill Votes to Promote Pro-Growth Tax Changes | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the House passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act by a bipartisan vote of 318-109. The PATH Act would extend numerous temporary tax provisions and make over 20 tax relief provisions permanent, including the Research and Development Tax Credit, Section 179 small business expensing, and several extenders that enhance charitable giving, such as the IRA charitable rollover provision. Following its passage, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the below statement: We need a tax code that promotes economic growth and gives our businesses the certainty needed to grow, expand, and create jobs in Arkansas and throughout the country. Consistent with the goal of comprehensive tax reform, the House passed the PATH Act, which would prevent a significant tax increase on millions of Americans and provide certainty to the tax code. I was proud to support this bipartisan, pro-growth bill that is an important first step toward meaningful tax reform.I have always been an advocate for lower taxes for all Arkansans and Americans, and I will continue working toward a simpler and fairer tax code. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1247 | Hill Votes to Promote Pro-Growth Tax Changes | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Votes to Promote Pro-Growth Tax Changes For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506 f t # e Washington, DC, December 17, 2015 Today, the House passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act by a bipartisan vote of 318-109. The PATH Act would extend numerous temporary tax provisions and make over 20 tax relief provisions permanent, including the Research and Development Tax Credit, Section 179 small business expensing, and several extenders that enhance charitable giving, such as the IRA charitable rollover provision. Following its passage, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the below statement: We need a tax code that promotes economic growth and gives our businesses the certainty needed to grow, expand, and create jobs in Arkansas and throughout the country. Consistent with the goal of comprehensive tax reform, the House passed the PATH Act, which would prevent a significant tax increase on millions of Americans and provide certainty to the tax code. I was proud to support this bipartisan, pro-growth bill that is an important first step toward meaningful tax reform.I have always been an advocate for lower taxes for all Arkansans and Americans, and I will continue working toward a simpler and fairer tax code. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-tax-cuts | Westerman Votes for Tax Cuts | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | westerman | https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman voted Thursday (Dec. 17) for a series of tax cuts estimated to save American families and workers more the $560 billion over the next decade. He issued the following state after Thursday's vote: "These tax cuts are a benefit to American families and workers who labor too long and too hard to give the federal government anymore of their tax dollars," Westerman said. "These tax cuts will put more money in the hands of everyday Americans, money that can be invested in small businesses, invested for children's educations, saved for retirement, used for a down payment on a home, and more. Constituents in Arkansas deserve this tax cut and I am proud to have voted in favor of workers and families across the Fourth District of Arkansas." Highlights of the tax cuts – known as the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act – include the following: A permanent extension and modification of deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers indexed to inflation in future years; Extension of deduction of State and local general sales taxes; Extension and modification of special rule for contributions for capital gain real property made for conservation purposes; Extension and modification of research credit; Improves to section 529 Education Savings Plans; and And permits rollovers from other retirement plans into SIMPLE IRA accounts. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=281 | Cotton Statement on President Obama's Remarks on National Security and Defeating ISIS | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on President Obama's remarks on national security and defeating ISIS: "President Obama was correct about one thing today: our intelligence and security officials are the best of the best. We are fortunate to have these dedicated professionals working on our behalf. That's why it's disappointing that President Obama, our commander in chief, has made it harder for these men and women to do their jobs and keep us safe. His failure to confront ISIS and our enemies around the world means we face more threats both at home and abroad. And because of his policies, they now have access to fewer tools to identify and neutralize these threats. If President Obama truly wants to thank our intelligence community for their outstanding work, he should present a real strategy to defeat the Islamic state and he should restore and strengthen vital intelligence programs." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-announces-cuba-working-group | Crawford Announces Cuba Working Group | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Eric A. "Rick" Crawford | C001087 | crawford.house.gov | crawford | https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-1) and nine other members of the House of Representatives announced the formation of a bi-partisan Cuba Working Group that will seek for greater U.S. engagement with Cuba. In a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announcing the group's formation, the steering committee members said: "Increasingly, the American people are indicating their desire for a new, more pragmatic approach to Cuba. More people are traveling from the U.S. to Cuba, more businesses are looking for opportunity on the island, and more sectors are eager for trade. The bi-partisan Cuba Working Group will promote a U.S.-Cuba policy that reflects the interests of the American people in engagement with Cuba." The letter concludes, "Our goal is to raise the level of understanding inside of Congress for the need to build a new policy framework for U.S.-Cuban relations." After the announcement, Representative Crawford said: "The best approach to change between Cuba and U.S. relations is to make cautious and incremental changes to current Cuba policies in ways that benefit the United States and introduce the Cuban people to American products. Not only is it estimated that Cuba imports around 80 percent of its food supply, but the US also enjoys an inherent advantage due to our close geographic proximity and state of the art production and food distribution infrastructure. Agriculture trading partnerships with Cuba will help build a foundation of goodwill and cooperation that will open the door to long-sought reforms in the same the way that American influence has brought reform to other communist states." The group seeks to advance policy proposals to promote the rapidly changing status in the US-Cuba relationship. Joining Crawford are: Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Reid Ribble (R-WI), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Sam Farr (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ted Poe (R-TX), Rosa Delauro (D-CT). Background: Over the past y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z |
| https://crawford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398452 | Crawford Announces Cuba Working Group | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Rick Crawford | C001087 | crawford.house.gov | legacy | Crawford Announces Cuba Working Group f t # e Washington, December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-1) and nine other members of the House of Representatives announced the formation of a bi-partisan Cuba Working Group that will seek for greater U.S. engagement with Cuba. In a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announcing the groups formation, the steering committee members said: "Increasingly, the American people are indicating their desire for a new, more pragmatic approach to Cuba. More people are traveling from the U.S. to Cuba, more businesses are looking for opportunity on the island, and more sectors are eager for trade. The bi-partisan Cuba Working Group will promote a U.S.-Cuba policy that reflects the interests of the American people in engagement with Cuba. The letter concludes, Our goal is to raise the level of understanding inside of Congress for the need to build a new policy framework for U.S.-Cuban relations. After the announcement, Representative Crawford said: The best approach to change between Cuba and U.S. relations is to make cautious and incremental changes to current Cuba policies in ways that benefit the United States and introduce the Cuban people to American products. Not only is it estimated that Cuba imports around 80 percent of its food supply, but the US also enjoys an inherent advantage due to our close geographic proximity and state of the art production and food distribution infrastructure. Agriculture trading partnerships with Cuba will help build a foundation of goodwill and cooperation that will open the door to long-sought reforms in the same the way that American influence has brought reform to other communist states. The group seeks to advance policy proposals to promote th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-statement-feds-decision-raise-interest-rates | Hill Statement on Fed's Decision to Raise Interest Rates | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the below statement: While the markets have been making these adjustments for months, today the Federal Reserve has begun to raise the federal funds rate after holding it near zero for seven years.While Im glad to see the Fed take this step, in my view, it needs to develop a more rules-based approach to monetary policy, such as that contained in the House-passed FORM Act, to preventambiguity in the future. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1296 | Hill Statement on Fed's Decision to Raise Interest Rates | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Statement on Fed's Decision to Raise Interest Rates For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506 f t # e Washington, DC, December 16, 2015 Today, after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the below statement: While the markets have been making these adjustments for months, today the Federal Reserve has begun to raise the federal funds rate after holding it near zero for seven years.While I'm glad to see the Fed take this step, in my view, it needs to develop a more rules-based approach to monetary policy, such as that contained in the House-passed FORM Act, to preventambiguity in the future. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/dr-boozman-s-check-up?ContentRecord_id=8537aa7e-5744-42b7-9b8e-47a518944ee3 | SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: S.1982 | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: S.1982 Top Line Points There is a nearly two-year old Internet post that continues to circulate online that misrepresents why several senators voted against a particular piece of veterans-related legislation. The record needs to be set straight. Although the bill, S.1982, may have been well intentioned, it would have placed unnecessary strains on an already overwhelmed VA system, leaving the VA shorthanded and unable to fully meet the needs of our veterans. In addition, then-Majority Leader Reid also blocked efforts to improve the bill by denying senators the opportunity to offer amendments to strengthen the bill, including Senator Boozmans amendment to secure advance appropriations for all VA mandatory and discretionary accounts. The vote cast on S.1982 did not kill the bill as this Internet post contends. Rather, it sent the bill back to the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs where it could be reconsidered and improved. Congress opted instead to consider a better bill to enhance services for our veterans, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (the CHOICE Act). This bill ultimately passed the Senate, with Senator Boozmans support, and was signed into law [P.L. 113-146] by President Obama. A Note from Senator Boozman As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I take very seriously my responsibility to advocate for those who have served our country in uniform. When it comes to providing for our servicemembers with the benefits and services they have earned, I believe we ought to make good on our nation's promise. Their commitment to country is without question. Our country's commitment to them should be the same. I believe every one of my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, shares that commitment. This is why the Veterans Affairs Committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate have traditionally been the most bipartisan committees in Congress. It is the same reason that I seek out a Democrat cosponsor to join me on e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/mobile-office-hours?ContentRecord_id=b4219a57-c9fa-41fb-a29b-acea45914e76 | Vilonia Mobile Office | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Members of my staff host Mobile Office events across the state year-around. These events allow my staff to be available at the walk-in events to help Arkansans who are having problems involving the federal government or who want to share their thoughts about legislative issues. Below is a complete listing of upcoming (denoted by red push pin) and past (denoted by blue push pin) mobile offices: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c2a98d06-d87f-4c5e-a89e-32698f52ee05 | General Aviation Bill Passes Senate with Boozman Language to Help Small Aircraft Pilots Keep Flying | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONLanguage authored by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) that requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reform general aviation medical standards was included in the Pilots Bill of Rights II and unanimously passed by the Senate Tuesday night. The languagea modified version of the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act introduced by Boozman in Februaryseeks reforms to maintain safety while supporting capable pilots and jobs in the industry and at our small, local airports. These reforms are necessary because the FAA has stalled on its pledge to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that ground capable aviators. Over the last decade, 60,000 pilots left the industry, many due to the costly and time consuming process of obtaining paperwork that FAA has acknowledged needs to be changed. By incorporating my bill in the Pilots Bill of Rights II, we can provide safety and eliminate these burdens which have proven unnecessary, Boozman, a co-chair of the Senate General Aviation Caucus, said. Boozmans language allows pilots to fly many types of small, light aircraft without a third class medical certificate. The light-sport aircraft program has demonstrated that these changes can occur without compromising safety. Pilots will be required to undergo a flight review by a certified flight instructor every two years. During these flight reviews, instructors will continue to evaluate each pilots physical and cognitive condition, as well as his or her ability to safely operate an aircraft. Small aircraft pilots would be required to maintain a valid drivers license. Limited medical examinations by a personal physician will be required once every four years, but the requirements will be much less burdensome. Boozmans efforts have garnered the support of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/manufacturing-support-for-waters-of-us-ruled-illegal | Manufacturing Support for Waters of US Ruled Illegal | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Eric A. "Rick" Crawford | C001087 | crawford.house.gov | crawford | https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | December 14, 2015 Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, the Government Accountability office ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency's social media campaign to increase support for it's Waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS) broke the law by engaging in ‘covert propaganda.' In August, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-1) joined the rest of the Arkansas delegation in sending a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency's Inspector General. The letter requested that the EPA open a formal investigation into its unprecedented grassroots lobbying effort. The request was referred from the EPA's Inspector General to the Government Accountability Office, which found that the EPA engaged in propaganda and used federal resources to conduct grass-roots lobbying, both illegal activities for a government agency. After the news broke earlier today, Representative Crawford released the following statement: "The rulemaking process follows democratic principles for a reason, the affected public needs to be able to either support or oppose rules like WOTUS that affect their everyday lives. Unelected agency officials, in a brazen attempt to skew levels of support for the rule, perverted that process and got caught. When your own agency has to illegally manufacture support for its own out-of-touch agenda, its time to go back to the drawing board. Its time to scrap the rule and start over, this time listening to public feedback and incorporating their genuine concerns." Background: According to a May 19, 2015 New York Times report, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) engaged in a grassroots solicitation for public comments intended to generate public comments in support of its Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule-making The EPA apparently used an assortment of social media campaigns to solicit comments, and partnered with environmental and grassroots organizations – like the Sierra Club and Organizing for America – to promote the rule. The most essential and democratic component of the rule-making process, the public notice and co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z |
| https://crawford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398450 | Manufacturing Support for Waters of US Ruled Illegal | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Rick Crawford | C001087 | crawford.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, the Government Accountability office ruled that the Environmental Protection Agencys social media campaign to increase support for its Waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS) broke the law by engaging in covert propaganda.In August, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-1) joined the rest of the Arkansas delegation in sending a letter to the Environmental Protection Agencys Inspector General. The letter requested that the EPA open a formal investigation into its unprecedented grassroots lobbying effort. The request was referred from the EPAs Inspector General to the Government Accountability Office, which found that the EPA engaged in propaganda and used federal resources to conduct grass-roots lobbying, both illegal activities for a government agency. After the news broke earlier today, Representative Crawford released the following statement: "The rulemaking process follows democratic principles for a reason, the affected public needs to be able to either support or oppose rules like WOTUS that affect their everyday lives. Unelected agency officials, in a brazen attempt to skew levels of support for the rule, perverted that process and got caught. When your own agency has to illegally manufacture support for its own out-of-touch agenda, its time to go back to the drawing board. Its time to scrap the rule and start over, this time listening to public feedback and incorporating their genuine concerns." Background: According to a May 19, 2015 New York Times report, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) engaged in a grassroots solicitation for public comments intended to generate public comments in support of its Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule-making The EPA apparently used an assortment of social media campaigns to solicit comments, and partnered with environmental and grassroots organizations like the Sierra Club and Organizing for America to promote the rule. The most essential and democratic component of the rule-making process, the public notice and comment process, was abused and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=38d11d16-3d54-4f86-ad47-a96c0aade65f | Boozman Statement on EPA's Violation of Federal Law | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) violated federal law when promoting its Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule: The EPAs illegal campaign shows the desperate measures the agency was willing to take to hide the overwhelming opposition to WOTUS. The GAO ruling proves that this was a manufactured public relations campaign unknowingly funded by taxpayers who oppose this EPA power-grab. Its proof that the Obama Administration is willing to breakthe law to get its way." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=279 | Cotton Statement on President Obama's Remarks at the Pentagon on ISIS | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 14, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on President Obama's remarks at the Pentagon on ISIS: "President Obama's remarks at the Pentagon were just more of the same tired rhetoric. Why is he just now hitting ISIS 'harder than ever?' President Obama once again provided a laundry list of percentages and statistics that may sound impressive, but actually say little about our commitment to the fight against ISIS. It's troubling that in the wake of Paris and San Bernadino the President seems more concerned about sounding tough than he does about preventing more of these types of attacks. To win the war against ISIS, President Obama must present a victory strategy and demonstrate a commitment to that strategy. Today we heard neither. If the President wants to show resolve and commitment, he would listen to his military commanders' best advice, and he would ask the Congress to protect the data we already have on terrorists." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=280 | Cotton Statement on GAO's Ruling Against the EPA's use of Social Media to Generate Support for WOTUS | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 14, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statements on the Government Accountability Office's ruling that the EPA's use of social media to generate support for the Waters of the United States rule was in violation of federal law: "It's little surprise that the EPA broke federal law while promoting the disastrous Waters of the United States rule. Over the last six years they've repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to promoting President Obama's radical environmental agenda over the interests of the American people and our natural resources. And they take orders from a President whose also been known to skirt the laws of the land if they interfere with his ideas. "The GAO's ruling is another important step toward overturning the misguided Waters of the United States rule completely. Rest assured, I will work to continue the fight against this rule and against EPA overreach." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=278 | Cotton Statement on the Death of Brigadier General Herbert Jack Lloyd | 2015-12-12 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 12, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202)224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement mourning the death of Brigadier General Herbert Jack Lloyd: "Today I join the Hope community and all Arkansans in mourning the death of Brigadier General Herbert Jack Lloyd. Brig. Gen. Lloyd's lifelong commitment of service to Arkansas and our nation cannot be overstated. As a member of both the Arkansas Military Veterans and the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame, his life and legacy will long be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-host-press-conference-historic-saline-river-bridge | Hill to Host Press Conference at Historic Saline River Bridge | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. At 10:30 AM CT, on Monday, December 14, 2015, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) will host a press conference at the Historic Saline River Bridge. Last week, Saline County was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Arkansas State Department of Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), a federal-aid program that assists in constructing non-motorized forms of transportation. Funds from TAP will be used for the rehabilitation of the historic Saline River Bridge and its conversion to a bicycle and pedestrian bridge. The project will provide a needed Saline River crossing for the planned Southwest Trail bicycle trail from Little Rock to Hot Springs. The following event is open to the press: Who: Congressman French Hill, Saline County Judge Jeff Arey, and AHTD Director Scott Bennett What: Press Conference When: 10:30 AM CT, Monday, December 14, 2015 Where: Saline River Bridge ### Directions from Little Rock: Take I-30 W to Benton Take exit116towardSevier St/South St Remain on the access road (I-30 Frontage Rd) TurnrightontoW South St, which will loop you onto a bridge over the interstate SlightrighttowardI-30 Frontage Rd SlightleftontoI-30 Frontage Rd TurnleftontoAirlane Dr by Holland Baptist Church of Benton. Stay right on Airlane Dr at the intersection of Mary Kay and Airlane. Continue onto a dirt road until you reach the bridge site on the right. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1109 | Hill to Host Press Conference at Historic Saline River Bridge | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | At 10:30 AM CT, on Monday, December 14, 2015, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) will host a press conference at the Historic Saline River Bridge. Last week, Saline County was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Arkansas State Department of Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), a federal-aid program that assists in constructing non-motorized forms of transportation. Funds from TAP will be used for the rehabilitation of the historic Saline River Bridge and its conversion to a bicycle and pedestrian bridge. The project will provide a needed Saline River crossing for the planned Southwest Trail bicycle trail from Little Rock to Hot Springs. The following event is open to the press: Who: Congressman French Hill, Saline County Judge Jeff Arey, and AHTD Director Scott Bennett What: Press Conference When: 10:30 AM CT, Monday, December 14, 2015 Where: Saline River Bridge ### Directions from Little Rock: Take I-30 W to Benton Take exit116towardSevier St/South St Remain on the access road (I-30 Frontage Rd) TurnrightontoW South St, which will loop you onto a bridge over the interstate SlightrighttowardI-30 Frontage Rd SlightleftontoI-30 Frontage Rd TurnleftontoAirlane Dr by Holland Baptist Church of Benton. Stay right on Airlane Dr at the intersection of Mary Kay and Airlane. Continue onto a dirt road until you reach the bridge site on the right. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=20ddeccc-d29e-4b7c-90d4-f6a8d37eb25a | The Obamacare Repeal Bill That Will Make it to the President's Desk | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | With Obamacare, Americans were sold a false bill of goods that came with a price tag in the trillions. It has driven up health care costs, busted our budget, stifled job growth and raised taxes on hardworking Arkansans. Obamacare has created more problems than it solves. The skyrocketing premiums, rising out-of-pocket health care costs and shrinking paychecks all contribute to the underlying anxiety that is hanging over the heads of the American people. Add to that a massive new bureaucracy and stark reduction in choices, and you get a law that is simply unsalvageable. Obamacare has let the American people down. To see it any other way takes more than rose-colored glasses. It takes blinders. Premiums are going up, deductibles are rising and the tax burden for hardworking Americansand the small business owners that create many of their jobshas significantly increased. To that last point specifically, Obamacare hits American households with more than $1 trillion in new taxes over the next ten years. It will cost taxpayers more than $116 billion a year according to the Congressional Budget Office. On average, every American household can expect more than $20,000 in new taxes over the next ten years. The Senate took a crucial step forward in beginning to lift the burdens and higher costs this law has placed on all Americans. The legislation we passed eliminates more than $1 trillion in tax increases placed on the American people, while saving more than $500 billion in spending. Most importantly, this bill begins to build a bridge from the presidents broken promises to a better health care system for hardworking families across the country. That better system is rooted in flexibility, choice, portability and fairness. We must remove bureaucracy from the equation, put patients in control and force insurance companies to compete for their business. That is the way to create a sustainable health care system. Sustainable being the the key word as the wheels are already falling off of Obamacare. Bloomberg Busines… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=441e3e02-8eb9-43d5-91eb-d64195a0e106 | Putting Education Decision Back in the Hands of Those Who Know Students Best | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | As an English and journalism teacher at Stuttgart High School, Meghan Ables added reading and writing opportunities at the school by reestablishing its monthly magazine and helping launch its studio - Ricebird Television. Ables is making a difference in the lives of students. Her dedication to education earned her the title of 2016 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. The Arkansas Department of Educations announcement of Ables award noted that her contribution to learning helped increase student test scores in the school district. Ables is the perfect example of how teachers are one of the best assets we have in our efforts to prepare young Arkansans for the future. As a teacher, she is able to identify areas her students need to improve and implement strategies to help them grow academically and achieve higher scores. Teachers deserve flexibility to help students succeed in the classroom, and that begins by providing state and local leaders the opportunity to make education decisions based on the needs of their population. As a former school board member, I understand that the one-size-fits-all policy forced on our schools from Washington is ineffective. Thats why I supported the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), legislation that strengthens state and local control to improve student achievement. Earlier this month, the Senate overwhelmingly passed this legislation, and the next day the President signed it into law, making it the first significant education reform since 2002. This law puts governors, school boards, parents and teachers back in charge of education standards. ESSA ends the policies ofNo Child Left Behind (NCLB) including the testing burden the law placed on schools, teachers and students. Instead, this new law grants states the power to determine and define the measurement of success, and eliminates Washingtons ability to mandate or coerce states to adopt the top-down education standards of Common Core. Innovation in education has been stifled by government bureaucracy. ESSA allows states and co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-ssa-help-willing-and-able-get-back-work | Hill to SSA: Help Willing and Able Get Back to Work | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-2), alongside eleven other Members of Congress, sent a letter to Carolyn Colvin, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), requesting that SSA work with Congress to develop innovative demonstration projects to help individuals with disabilities return to work. The members stated: The recently passed and signed into law Bipartisan Budget Act provides the Social Security Administration (SSA) with the authority to develop and implement additional demonstration projects to help disability applicants and beneficiaries return to work. As SSA begins to develop these new programs, we encourage you to work with Congress, congressional committees of jurisdiction, and experts and scholars that have offered recommendations to develop effective and innovative projects that will get people off of the disability rolls and back to work. Click here to read the full letter. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1326 | Hill to SSA: Help Willing and Able Get Back to Work | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill to SSA: Help Willing and Able Get Back to Work For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506 f t # e Washington, DC, December 10, 2015 Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-2), alongside eleven other Members of Congress, sent a letter to Carolyn Colvin, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), requesting that SSA work with Congress to develop innovative demonstration projects to help individuals with disabilities return to work. The members stated: The recently passed and signed into law Bipartisan Budget Act provides the Social Security Administration (SSA) with the authority to develop and implement additional demonstration projects to help disability applicants and beneficiaries return to work. As SSA begins to develop these new programs, we encourage you to work with Congress, congressional committees of jurisdiction, and experts and scholars that have offered recommendations to develop effective and innovative projects that will get people off of the disability rolls and back to work. Click here to read the full letter. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/arkansas-delegation-meets-doe-secretary-answers-transmission-line | Arkansas Delegation Meets with DOE Secretary for Answers on Transmission Line Project | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | westerman | https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman released the following statement after meeting today with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz to get thorough answers to questions they asked in September about the Plains and Eastern Clean Line Transmission Project: "We appreciate Secretary Moniz listening to our concerns about the the Plains and Eastern Clean Line Transmission Project and the use of section 1222 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to implement this project. We continue to have serious concerns that this project erodes the rights of local communities and the State of Arkansas to have a seat at the table in the decision making process." In September, members asked the Secretary to address their detailed concerns about the federal government's possible unprecedented partnership with a third party to construct an electrical transmission project through Arkansas. The insufficient responses to their questions led members to request a meeting with Secretary Moniz in early November. Read the letters members sent to Secretary Moniz here. Citing insufficient responses to their questions, Boozman and Cotton placed a hold on the confirmation vote of a DOE nominee earlier this month. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z |
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398638 | Arkansas Delegation Meets with DOE Secretary for Answers on Transmission Line Project | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack, and Bruce Westerman, released the following statement after meeting today with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz to get thorough answers to questions they asked in September about the Plains and Eastern Clean Line Transmission Project: We appreciate Secretary Moniz listening to our concerns about the Plains and Eastern Clean Line Transmission Project and the use of section 1222 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to implement this project. We continue to have serious concerns that this project erodes the rights of local communities and the State of Arkansas to have a seat at the table in the decision making process. In September, members asked the Secretary to address their detailed concerns about the federal governments possible unprecedented partnership with a third party to construct an electrical transmission project through Arkansas. The insufficient responses to their questions led members to request a meeting with Secretary Moniz in early November. Read the letters members sent to Secretary Moniz here. Citing insufficient responses to their questions, Boozman and Cotton placed a hold on the confirmation vote of a DOE nominee earlier this month. Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansass Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor-Health and Human Services subcommittees and the House Committee on the Budget. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/dr-boozman-s-check-up?ContentRecord_id=88cdd906-3d83-4511-9d31-43297c5da5a2 | ICYMI: My Visit with KASU, 12/10/15 | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | I called into KASU's morning show to visit with Mark Smith to discussthe challenges of battling ISIS, the highway bill, the COOL mandate and the last-minute legislative items the Senate is trying to work through before the holidays. If you missed it, you can listen to the entire interview here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6bb81257-7599-4500-bc33-492837c08969 | Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Approves Boozman Bills to Improve Veteran Services & Benefits | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday advanced key legislative priorities aimed at improving veterans benefits as part of legislation introduced by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) to combat veteran homelessness. The Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) Clarification and Reauthorization Act, introduced by Boozman and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), would reauthorize current veteran homelessness programs and clarify qualifications for existing housing assistance benefits. Committee approval of this legislation is a great step toward ending the cycle of homelessness. I am encouraged by the support of the committee and will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure it becomes law. Enacting long-term programs that provide the resources, tools and training our veterans earned will help eliminate veteran homelessness, Boozman said. The Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) Clarification and Reauthorization Act would: Extend veteran reintegration programs for five years Extend the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program for five years. Clarify that veterans participating in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agencys Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program are also eligible for HVRP. Clarify that American Indians participating in Native American housing assistance program are also eligible to participate in HVRP. The committee amended the legislation to add a number of measures to help veterans including the GI Bill Fairness Act introduced by Boozman and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). This bill would ensure that members of the Guard or Reserve who are wounded in combat are eligible for the same GI Bill benefits as active duty members of the military. Denying wounded Guard and Reserve members the benefits they earned is unjust. This measure will provide equal treatment and ensure they receive the benefits they earned for their service and sacrifice to our country, Boozman said. The bill also includes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=709f2942-3f87-487d-af90-a9431ecfe885 | Arkansas Delegation Meets with DOE Secretary for Answers on Transmission Line Project | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman released the following statement after meeting today with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz to get thorough answers to questions they asked in September about the Plains and Eastern Clean Line Transmission Project: We appreciate Secretary Moniz listening to our concerns about the the Plains and Eastern Clean Line Transmission Project and the use of section 1222 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to implement this project. We continue to have serious concerns that this project erodes the rights of local communities and the State of Arkansas to have a seat at the table in the decision making process. In September, members asked the Secretary to address their detailed concerns about the federal governments possible unprecedented partnership with a third party to construct an electrical transmission project through Arkansas. The insufficient responses to their questions led members to request a meeting with Secretary Moniz in early November. Read the letters members sent to Secretary Moniz here. Citing insufficient responses to their questions, Boozman and Cotton placed a hold on the confirmation vote of a DOE nominee earlier this month. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=277 | Arkansas Delegation Meets with DOE Secretary for Answers on Transmission Line Project | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 10, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman released the following statement after meeting today with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz to get thorough answers to questions they asked in September about the Plains and Eastern Clean Line Transmission Project: "We appreciate Secretary Moniz listening to our concerns about the the Plains and Eastern Clean Line Transmission Project and the use of section 1222 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to implement this project. We continue to have serious concerns that this project erodes the rights of local communities and the State of Arkansas to have a seat at the table in the decision making process." In September, members asked the Secretary to address their detailed concerns about the federal government's possible unprecedented partnership with a third party to construct an electrical transmission project through Arkansas. The insufficient responses to their questions led members to request a meeting with Secretary Moniz in early November. Read the letters members sent to Secretary Moniz here. Citing insufficient responses to their questions, Boozman and Cotton placed a hold on the confirmation vote of a DOE nominee earlier this month. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-welcomes-little-rock-civil-rights-leader-washington | Hill Welcomes Little Rock Civil Rights Leader to Washington | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) attended the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the ratification of the 13th Amendment with his invited guest, Ms. Annie Abrams of Little Rock. Following the ceremony, Congressman Hill released the below statement: There are very few people who have as deep an appreciation for American Historyparticularly as it relates to African-Americansas my friend of nearly two decades, Ms. Annie Abrams. As a local educator and civic and community leader, Ms. Abrams has enriched the lives of countless Arkansans and Americans. To be able to spend today with her in celebration of the constitutional amendment that first allowed America to begin to uphold the value that all men are created equal was an inspiration. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1321 | Hill Welcomes Little Rock Civil Rights Leader to Washington | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Welcomes Little Rock Civil Rights Leader to Washington For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506 f t # e Washington, DC, December 9, 2015 Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) attended the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the ratification of the 13th Amendment with his invited guest, Ms. Annie Abrams of Little Rock. Following the ceremony, Congressman Hill released the below statement: There are very few people who have as deep an appreciation for American Historyparticularly as it relates to African-Americansas my friend of nearly two decades, Ms. Annie Abrams. As a local educator and civic and community leader, Ms. Abrams has enriched the lives of countless Arkansans and Americans. To be able to spend today with her in celebration of the constitutional amendment that first allowed America to begin to uphold the value that all men are created equal' was an inspiration. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/mobile-office-hours?ContentRecord_id=1f42169e-22ef-4982-bb0d-6d7ec0a1cab9 | Jonesboro Mobile Office | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Members of my staff host Mobile Office events across the state year-around. These events allow my staff to be available at the walk-in events to help Arkansans who are having problems involving the federal government or who want to share their thoughts about legislative issues. Below is a complete listing of upcoming (denoted by red push pin) and past (denoted by blue push pin) mobile offices: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/mobile-office-hours?ContentRecord_id=7bce82a8-15b0-490c-a3c8-5936df445463 | Forrest City Mobile Office | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Members of my staff host Mobile Office events across the state year-around. These events allow my staff to be available at the walk-in events to help Arkansans who are having problems involving the federal government or who want to share their thoughts about legislative issues. Below is a complete listing of upcoming (denoted by red push pin) and past (denoted by blue push pin) mobile offices: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/mobile-office-hours?ContentRecord_id=e7ce216c-c7f9-43ca-9a89-c7e573ea1bf1 | Heber Springs Mobile Office | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Members of my staff host Mobile Office events across the state year-around. These events allow my staff to be available at the walk-in events to help Arkansans who are having problems involving the federal government or who want to share their thoughts about legislative issues. Below is a complete listing of upcoming (denoted by red push pin) and past (denoted by blue push pin) mobile offices: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=677c1dd2-d58e-4e35-afa6-66bd401cbf96 | Education Reform Bill with Boozman's Amendment Headed to President's Desk | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan, comprehensive reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) today that included an amendment authored by Senator John Boozman (R-AR) that focuses on career and technical education. The conference report for the reauthorization bill, the Every Child Achieves Act, passed the Senate by a vote of 85-12 and will be sent to the President to be signed into law. As a former school board member, I understand that education decisions should be handled at the state and local level. A one-size-fits-all policy forced on our schools from Washington is not effective. This bill is a good step toward expanding state and local control over education, Boozman said. When the Senate first considered this legislation, Boozman offered an amendment that aims to improve career and technical education programs and it remained in the conference report. The lack of real-world learning opportunities in our high schools is one reason students drop out. We need to be preparing young Americans for opportunities in the workforce and that will keep more of them in school, Boozman said. Boozmans amendment integrates rigorous academic coursework with career and technical education (CTE) and real-world skills based on industry needs and contexts. Several states are already successfully implementing CTE curriculum that is grounded in problem-based learning developed with business and industry. This is an effort to capture the best practices some states have in place so we can increase graduation rates and prepare career ready students by partnering with industry, Boozman said, pointing to effective programs in place in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois, Florida and California. Boozmans amendment focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education without authorizing new funds or programs. Developing coursework to provide the appropriate training for todays jobs allows students to find employment that matches their skills and provides bu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=275 | Cotton Statement on Senate Passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 9, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the Every Student Succeeds Act: "As the son of a public school teacher and principal and a graduate of Arkansas public schools, I know firsthand the benefits of a public school education. But over the last several years our schools have been stifled by government bureaucracy, and, as a result, too many children haven't received the quality education they deserve. Today, the Senate passed legislation that will bring much needed reform to our education system by enabling states and local communities to decide what's best for their students. This bill both ends Common Core mandates for states and significantly empowers states to determine their own measures of student success. Rest assured, I will continue to be an advocate for reforms to our public school system and will support policies that reduce the role of Washington politicians in the education of students in Arkansas and across the country." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=276 | Cotton Statement Calling on Congress to Grant Counterterror Officials Access to San Bernardino Terrorist's Telecom Data | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 9, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on reports that one of the terrorists accused in the San Bernadino attack may have been planning attacks dating back to 2012: "Syed Farook's terrorist attack was possibly encouraged and supported by others who share his motivation to destroy the United States. And while Farook and his wife are dead, any co-conspirators and supporters they may have had remain at large and a threat to our national security. Unfortunately, our efforts to identify and find such individuals have been handicapped by the USA FREEDOM Act's limits on the NSA bulk metadata program that went into effect last week. The three years of call data investigators would need to examine Farook's activities in 2012 lie beyond the two years of metadata the authorities said they were able to obtain through the USA FREEDOM Act's new and experimental architecture. And under the new system, it's unclear whether we even still have those data. "The holes in our intelligence gathering system left by the USA FREEDOM Act have left us with less information about this attack and about other potential terrorists. They have put our national security at risk and made us less safe. Congress should immediately take up and pass the Liberty Through Strength Act II and give our law enforcement and intelligence community officials the tools they need to stop future attacks, including access to the legacy metadata lawfully collected prior to the implementation of the USA FREEDOM Act." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-votes-strengthen-national-security-through-visa-waiver-program | Hill Votes to Strengthen National Security Through Visa Waiver Program | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, by a bipartisan vote of 407-19. H.R. 158, introduced by Rep. Candice Miller (MI-10), would put in place new provisions to strengthen the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by restricting travel to the United States by non-U.S. citizens who have traveled to certain nations, including Syria and Iraq. Following passage of H.R. 158, Congressman French Hill (AR-2), a cosponsor of the bill, released the below statement: The attacks on Paris and San Bernardino show the effect ISIS and their message of evil are having throughout the world. As the threat of attacks from ISIS and other terrorist groups increase, Congress needs to strengthen our bordersboth actual and virtualby passing meaningful, bipartisan legislation that addresses any holes in our national security. Todays vote to block entry into the United States for those who may have ties to terror groups is, like the Syrian refugee bill passed in the House last month, a significant but not final step in providing the American people peace of mind that their government is working to stop terrorists from reaching our great Nation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-visa-waiver-program-improvement-act | Westerman Votes for Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) voted Tuesday (Dec. 8) for H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement & Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. Westerman issued the following statement after the vote: This week, I voted with my House colleagues for the Visa Waiver Program Improvement & Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, Westerman said. This bill will close gaps in the visa waiver program, which allows individuals from more than 30 countries to visit the U.S. with only a passport. It adds additional layers of protection to stop Islamic radicals that often fight with ISIS from entering America from friendly nations. This is just the latest effort the House has taken to keep Americans safe at home. Living in a free and open society carries certain risks. I am committed to limiting those risks to our security while protecting the personal liberties upon which our nation was founded. Items included in H.R. 158: Denying VWP status to individuals who have connections to terrorist hotspots; Demanding strong intelligence and law enforcement information sharing; Enhancing screening of all travelers in VWP countries; Preventing extremists from using fraudulent documents to evade detection; Increasing threat monitoring of VWP countries; and Taking steps to ensure VWP travelers do not falsify their background information. FOR MORE INFORMATION .pdf: Background: Visa Waiver Program and Existing Security Gaps .ppt: Visa Waiver Program Powerpoint ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398636 | Press Release: Womack Supports Passage of Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Press Release: Womack Supports Passage of Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act f t # e Washington, December 8, 2015 Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act: I applaud the passage of this important bill to strengthen our national security, which takes the first of many steps to combat the threats posed by foreign fighters and anyone that tries to terrorize the American people. The tragic San Bernardino terrorist attack has reminded us that our visa system isnt immune to abuse by those who wish to harm our nation. We must scrutinize all aspects of our immigration system including our visa waiver system to ensure the safety and security of all Americans and to thwart attempts by Islamic extremists to gain entry into our nation. Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansass Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor-Health and Human Services subcommittees and the House Committee on the Budget. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=273 | Cotton Delivers Floor Speech on the Terrorist Watch List and Background Checks | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 8, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 I'd like to respond to what I heard earlier this morning from the Democratic Leader, from the Assistant Democratic leader, what we heard from the President on Sunday night. The Democrats would have you believe that any person on a terrorist watch list can go into a federally licensed firearm dealer and buy a firearm, without any notice whatsoever. That is simply false. The background check system that federally licensed firearm dealers use includes a terror watch list, and the FBI counterterrorist division is notified when that occurs. Now of course, the list is notoriously inaccurate. The Department of Justice IG report just a few years ago said that up to half the names on the list are incorrect. The New York Times, which continues its proselytizing for gun control, used to be strongly opposed to the use of this list. Most famously, Ted Kennedy, a United States senator from America's leading political dynasty, was on the list and couldn't get off for weeks, having his flights disrupted time after times. Stephen Hayes, a well known conservative journalist who, I'll admit, looks a little suspicious, also found himself on the list. It took him months of public commentary, and only was he removed from the list when Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson was challenged on the air, on Fox News, about his presence on the list. If it took people like Ted Kennedy and Stephen Hayes weeks or months to get off that list, how long do you think it would take the little guy in Arkansas? For that matter, how long do you think it would take patriotic Muslim-Americans -who are most likely, because of confusion about their names with suspected terrorists- on the list, to get off that list? Moreover, what other rights would Democrats like to deprive American citizens of without notice and due process? Right to free speech? Right to practice their religion? Right to petition the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=274 | Speech on the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility The Heritage Foundation | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 8, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Next month marks the anniversary of President Obama's vow to close the military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. The president placed great importance on Guantanamo's closure. He chose this initiative-out of all the issues he faced as a new President-as the subject of his very first executive order-first of very, very many. He staged its signing in grand fashion in the Oval Office. And before the cameras, he spoke in solemn tones about the dire need to close Guantanamo in one year's time. One year. But seven years later President Obama has thankfully failed to make good on that vow. Guantanamo is still operating. And this is in large part because the President's empty rhetoric about closing Guantanamo has not convinced the American people. At the same time, the need to keep hardened terrorists off the battlefield and away from U.S. shores has proved enduring and even more pressing in this time of burgeoning terrorist safe havens in the Middle East and North Africa. We do not maintain Guantanamo because we want to. We maintain it because it is in the best interest of our national security to do so. In this way, Guantanamo is not a unique site-not sui generis or separated from historical practice, as many of its critics say. It is, in plain terms, a humane and professional wartime military prison: the unpleasant but inescapable necessity of any conflict, well-grounded in the laws of war. Guantanamo was created to house captured combatants and has always been set for closure once hostilities end. But, unfortunately, those hostilities have not ended. In fact, they have intensified. We remain engaged in a long war against radical Islamic jihad. It is not a war we started. But it is a war we must be committed to winning. This long war has no frontlines and no specific theaters, traditionally understood. And the weapons of our opponents are not merely … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-statement-presidents-address-nation | Hill Statement on the President's Address to the Nation | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the following statement after President Obamas address to the Nation from the Oval Office: Tonights address by the President shows he has come a long way from his days of believing that ISIS is a JV team. Unfortunately, in the two years since the President initially downplayed the threat of ISIS, they have only grown stronger and shown they are capable of carrying out devastating attacks all over the globe. While the President is finally admitting we need to defeat this enemy, he offered no real strategy for how to accomplish that mission. The President now needs to put in place a plan that gives our commanders on the ground everything they need to remove ISIS from the face of the earth. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/more-va-madness-novembers-golden-fleece-winner | More VA Madness: November's Golden Fleece Winner | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) announced the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the November recipient for the Golden Fleece Award for their award of $142 million in bonuses to VA employees and the decision to allow two VA officials that manipulated the agencys employee relocation program to keep the funds they received from defrauding hardworking taxpayers. This is VAs second Golden Fleece awardthey also won for the failed solar panel project at the Little Rock VA Medical Center in June. In a letter to VA Secretary Bob McDonald, Congressman Hill wrote: I write to not only award the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with last months Golden Fleece, but to alert you of the serious mistrust and outrage that our veterans in Arkansas have expressed due to the VAs policy of awarding officials at the agency with substantial pay and bonuses while our Nations veterans continue to face long waits for health care and unpaid and unresolved benefit claims. You can read Rep. Hills entire letter here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a0b893c4-803c-43a9-8435-4379010e11e9 | Boozman Statement on WTO Approval of Retaliatory Tariffs in Response to COOL Mandate | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) today released the following statement after the World Trade Organization (WTO) approved Canada and Mexicos request to place more than $1 billion in retaliatory tariffs on American goods: Todays retaliation is notsurprising.Ive long opposed the COOL mandate because it alienates our trading partners, increases compliance costs and offers few benefits. Unless Congress acts, American businesses will be subjected to more than $1 billion in retaliatorytariffs, and these costs will be passed on to American consumers. However, thesetariffs can be avoided. The reality is weve lost the battle to maintain the COOL mandatefour times. Arkansas farmers, manufactures and consumers cant afford to foot the bill for bad policy. If we dont resolve this dispute, it will have a negative impact on our economy. We must ensure that Arkansans are not caught in the middle of a dispute over well intended, but poorly crafted policy. Its time to end COOL." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=272 | Cotton Statement on the World Trade Organization's Decision Authorizing More Than $1 Billion in Tariffs on American Goods | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 7, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the World Trade Organization's (WTO) decision authorizing Canada and Mexico to place more than $1 billion in tariffs on American goods: "Unfortunately, these tariffs come as little surprise given the impact COOL regulations have had on our trade relationships with Canada and Mexico. But while we knew they were coming, over $1 billion in tariffs will be a devastating blow to both our national and state economies. The economic impact on Arkansas alone would be tens of millions of dollars. And this is only the beginning. If we don't take action to stop COOL regulations, we will alienate other trading partner and face additional tariffs. Rest assured, I am working with my colleagues in Congress as well as with partners at the Canadian and Mexican embassies to modify COOL regulations and protect Arkansans from losing access to these important markets." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=270 | Cotton Statement on the NSA's Inability to Directly Access Phone Records in the California Terror Case | 2015-12-06 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 6, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the FBI's inability to access NSA phone records in the California Terror Case: "On Wednesday two terrorists killed 14 innocent people and injured 21 in San Bernandino, California. The hours and days that follow an attack of this nature are critical to discovering its origins and thwarting other attacks. But the FBI has been forced to investigate this attack with one hand tied behind their back because our valuable NSA metadata program was shut down just days earlier. "To put it simply: the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States since Fort Hood is now serving as the guinea pig in a giant experiment on our national security. It's a frightening and uncomfortable thought. I hope this is the first and only example we see of the danger in shifting from a proven effective system to a new, untested one purely for political talking points. That is why the Congress must take up and pass the Liberty Through Strength Act II and give our law enforcement and intelligence community the officials the tools they need to keep us safe, including accessing the legacy metadata lawfully collected prior to the USA FREEDOM Act. "I hope this is the only lesson President Obama needs to understand the danger in putting his political agenda ahead of our national security." Background: Yesterday, the AP reported that the FBI was unable to directly access the phone records of two individuals suspected in the California terrorist attack. Read more here. cott | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=271 | Cotton Statement on the President's Address on National Security | 2015-12-06 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 6, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) tonight released the following statement reacting to President Obamas Oval Office Address on national security: President Obama is a wartime president who doesn't seem to realize it. Fourteen Americans were slaughtered by Islamic terrorists, but the President is dangerously detached from reality, lecturing us about political correctness and ineffective gun control. Radical Islamic jihadists are not contained and are advancing on every frontkilling innocent civilians from California to Paris to Mali, blowing an airplane out of the sky in Egypt, and inflaming the entire Middle East from Tehran. Imagine if these terrorists get their hands on uranium instead of gunpowder. Radical Islam is at war with America; our only choice is to win or lose, and the longer we debate whether were at war, the closer we come to losing it. One cannot help but wonder how many more Americans will die before President Obama recognizes this fundamental truth. He must implement a real strategy to defeat the Islamic State and remove Bashar al-Assad, take the handcuffs off our military in Iraq and Syria, and restore and strengthen vital intelligence programs. We needed to hear from the president tonight how to win this war. But we only heard how we will continue losing it. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7e2fcb99-88a3-4c43-b03b-b2da3dd34689 | Boozman Votes to Send Five-Year Highway Bill to President | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) tonight joined a bipartisan majority of the Senate to send the first long-term highway bill in ten years to President Obamas desk. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act lays out a five-year road map for federal highway programs financed by the Highway Trust Fund. This bill will create new jobs, reduce congestion, provide a sustaining boost to our nations economy and keep America competitive in the global marketplace. For the first time in ten years, we have a long-term highway bill that will allow Arkansas and other states to provide certainty for important infrastructure improvements, which are so vital to our economic well-being. Hundreds of Arkansas projects were at risk of cancellation or further delays if a long-term bill was not passed. Each year, Arkansas produces over $80 billion goods and products that depend on our highways for delivery to customers, so it is vital that this money is returned to our state to improve our infrastructure, Boozman said. Boozman expressed confidence that the President will sign the FAST Act into law. The President has indicated that he will sign this bill, which is good news for our economy. The projects themselves create an immediate economic spark for our communities, but the real boon to our economy is in the growth and jobs that come once the projects are completed, Boozman said. One of reasons the United States is an economic powerhouse is because of our infrastructure has allowed for us to move goods and services so efficiently. We must ensure that our infrastructure meets the needs to keep America competitive in the global marketplace. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-urges-house-leadership-pass-trid-bill-new-year | Hill Urges House Leadership to Pass TRID Bill Before New Year | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, on the two month anniversary of the implementation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus (CFPB) TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) Rule, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) and 21 other Members of Congress sent a letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers urging them to add the provisions of H.R. 3192, the Homebuyers Assistance Act, to any year end spending legislation. H.R. 3192, which passed the House in October, would provide a formal hold-harmless period for those making a good faith effort to comply with the CFPBs TRID rule. Since TRIDs implemenntation, many in the mortgage industry have complained that complying with the rule is difficult and is slowing the home buying process. The Members stated: On October 3, 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus (CFPB) TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule became effective, and two months later, there is still much confusion for lenders and real estate professionals trying to navigate this new closing regime. Reports have come in from across the country indicating that real estate transactions are taking longer than usual and closings are being delayed. Software systems are still not ready or have significant technical glitches, which have forced the manual input of this extensive data. There are also significant privacy concerns regarding the sharing of the Closing Disclosure, which includes the consumers personal financial data, with the consumers real estate agent. On October 7, 2015, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3192, the Homebuyers Assistance Act, which would provide a formal hold-harmless period during the initial implementation of the TRID rule, ensuring those making a good-faith effort to comply are not penalized during the transition period. H.R. 3192 passed by a strong bipartisan, veto-proof majority of 303-121. While the CFPB and other financial regulators have acknowledged the need for leniency for good-faith effor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-vote-highway-bill-vote-improve-local-economies | Hill: Vote for Highway Bill is Vote to Improve Local Economies | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the House-Senate agreed Conference Report to H.R. 22, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. This long-term highway and infrastructure bill will provide an additional $244 million for highway projects in Arkansas, bringing the total federal investment for Arkansas projects included to $2.5 billion over five years. Following passage of the bill, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the following statement: This conference report is far from perfect, and some of the provisions had no business being a part of a discussion about highways.But in the end, it accomplishes what the people of Arkansas and America need and expect for long-term infrastructure planning. This will be the first time since the George W. Bush Administration that we will have a highway funding bill that gives us the flexibility to fund and finish our most crucial infrastructure projects without burdening hardworking American taxpayers. This legislation facilitates a plan to execute the road and bridge projects long-needed for our state. Infrastructure work offers steady employment and enhances the economic profile of the Natural State. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-transportation-bill-conference-report | Westerman Votes for Transportation Bill Conference Report | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement Thursday (Dec. 3) upon passage of the conference report to accompany H.R. 22 the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015: Passage of a long term highway and transportation bill is good for Arkansas and good for America. This bill allows local governments to properly plan highway construction and improvement projects. This bill is a benefit to the citizens of Arkansas and our states economy. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398629 | Berryville Mobile Office Stop | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | In the Third District, I have offices located in Rogers, Fort Smith, and Harrison. But I understand that many constituents aren't able or dont have the time to travel to the nearest office.Thats why I am sending my office to YOU! Come to my Mobile Office and allow my staff to assist you in your own town. Berryville Mobile Office Stop Thursday, December 3, 2015, from 10:00AM-12:00PM CST Storm Rooms of America 206 South Springfield Street Berryville, AR 72616 Questions? Call my Harrison office for more information at (870) 741-6900. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398633 | Womack Supports All-of-the-Above Energy Policy | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015: Our energy landscape has changed drastically over the last 40 years; by modernizing and improving our infrastructure while keeping needed focus on jobs, security, and independence, this bill updates our energy policies to reflect that. I hope the administration can agree and allow Congress to continue to pursue the all-of-the-above energy policy that Americans want. Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansass Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor-Health and Human Services subcommittees and the House Committee on the Budget. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398634 | Womack Votes for Five-Year Highway Funding Bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today released the following statement after the House passed the Conference Report to H.R. 22, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act: This March, Arkansas was forced to shut down 56 planned construction projects across the state because Congress had not given the long-term certainty necessary for our states to adequately plan for the needs of our nations transportation infrastructure. Thats unacceptable. While I am disappointed by some of the pay-fors found to get there, I am nevertheless encouraged that the House and Senate were able to work together to bring this five-year, fully-funded surface transportation reauthorization to fruition and put it on the Presidents desk. Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansass Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor-Health and Human Services subcommittees and the House Committee on the Budget. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=12b3932a-48a4-4835-9980-739773b3e220 | Boozman Urges Expansion of Grant Program for Victims of Child Abuse | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman joined efforts to urge Attorney General Loretta Lynch to incorporate a broader use of funding to protect victims of child abuse under the Victim of Child Abuse (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant Program. Boozman, along with 20 of his Senate colleagues, sent a letter on Monday to the Attorney General requesting grant funding availability for forensic interviews and forensic medical examinations at Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) for victims of child abuse. For CACs, both forensic interviews and forensic medical examinations are key components and essential for healing and justice for victims and non-offending caregivers. Confirming that the VOCA Victim Assistance Grant Program includes forensic interviews and forensic medial examinations as allowable direct services costs will give CACs access to critical resources needed to service child victims within their communities, the lawmakers wrote in the letter. There are 14 Child Advocacy Centers in Arkansas and three satellite locations with another location to be open by the end of the year. In 2014, CACs helped more than 4,300 children in Arkansas. These centers offer support to reduce the trauma experienced by victims and their family by coordinating the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse cases. Thank you to Senator Boozman for signing onto this letter and for bringing attention to this important source of funding for Child Advocacy Centers throughout Arkansas.The funding from VOCA allows Child Advocacy Centers to provide their collaborative response to determine the best way to fulfill each childs unique needs, Stacy O. Thompson, Executive Director of Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansassaid. Click here to read the letter | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5c507d09-9f05-45e2-8b2e-60f6d07de3a2 | Boozman Statement on Passage of Bill to Repeal Obamacare; Defund Planned Parenthood | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman released the following statement after voting for legislation to repeal the most burdensome provisions of Obamacare, allowing for the program to be replaced with one that provides real health care reform for the American people. The Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, which passed the Senate by vote of 52-47 this evening, also defunds Planned Parenthood. Boozman on repealing key parts of Obamacare: For too long, Senate Democrats have played partisan politics and shielded President Obama from ever having to see the frustrations of the American people. They have denied the overwhelming voices of the American people from being heard by blocking every effort to repeal Obamacare. In doing so, they have deprived Americans of real health care reform simply to protect President Obamas legacy. This strategy is wholly disconnected from the concerns, worries and anxieties of the American people. Americans are tired of the broken promises of Obamacare. The law remains unworkable, unaffordable and more unpopular than ever. With this vote, the Senate took a crucial step forward in beginning to lift the burdens and higher costs the law has placed on all Americans. This bill repeals the most burdensome parts of Obamacare, paving the way for the failed program to be replaced with a healthcare system that provides market-based solutions that will bring the changes that Obamacare, and all its broken promises, simply cannot deliver. Boozman on defunding Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood has shown a clear disregard for the sanctity of life and hardworking taxpayers should not be footing the bill for these inhumane practices. This bill redirects money from the organization to other womens health services providers to ensure that taxpayers are not funding Planned Parenthoods indefensible actions. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=268 | Cotton, King Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Counterterrorism Tools in Wake of Paris, San Bernardino Attacks | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 3, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- In the wake of the brutal terrorist attacks in Paris last month, as well as initial reports that this week's attack in San Bernardino may be tied to terrorism, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) today introduced legislation that would ensure that U.S. counterterrorism officials have the necessary tools to track suspected terrorists and prevent terrorist attacks in the United States. "The first line of defense against terrorism is intelligence, and today, our government is reliant on telecommunication companies to retain records that we use to connect the dots that can help us prevent attacks," Senator King said. "Our legislation would simply require that U.S. officials are provided with adequate warning if a company decides it no longer will hold these vital records, allowing time to ensure that we don't lose a potentially valuable tool in the battle against terrorism." "Our Intelligence Community and Law Enforcement professionals are skilled at connecting the dots to thwart and respond to terrorist attacks. But if there are no dots to connect, those skills won't do us any good," Senator Cotton said. "The King-Cotton legislation will help preserve metadata currently stored by phone carriers by forcing them to notify the federal government if they change the amount of time they retain billing records to less than 18 months. This will give Congress and the Executive Branch an opportunity to respond before those dots are lost forever." Signed into law on June 2, 2015, the USA Freedom Act requires the government to apply to the FISA Court for an order to retrieve call detail records, which include telephone numbers - and not the content of calls - from telecommunications carriers. As of that date, the Act gave the government 180 days to end its bulk collection of call detail records, which expired on November 29, 2015. H… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=269 | Cotton Statement on the Senate's Vote to Repeal Obamacare | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 3, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today issued the following statement on the Senate's vote to repeal Obamacare: "Obamacare remains a fundamentally flawed law that is hurting thousands of Arkansans with higher premiums and copays, higher taxes, and lost jobs. President Obama promised that if Americans liked their plans and their doctors they could keep them, but that's not been the case. Obamacare's Medicare reimbursement cuts have jeopardized the program. Today, one in five primary care doctors are no longer accepting new Medicare patients. Obamacare is a complete failure. "Today the Senate took action to ease Arkansans Obamacare burdens by voting to fully repeal this unworkable law. I was pleased the final bill passed by the Senate included a provision to defund Planned Parenthood-an organization whose proven itself unworthy of government support. This vote was another important blow to Obamacare, but the fight isn't over. Rest assured, I am committed to repealing Obamacare and replacing it with a better system that truly makes healthcare more affordable and more accessible." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/north-american-energy-security-and-infrastructure-act-long-overdue | North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act Long Overdue, Westerman Says | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statementThursday (Dec. 3) after passage of H.R. 8, the North American Energy, Security, and Infrastructure Act of 2015: The North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act is an update to U.S. energy policy thats long overdue, Westerman said. Through passage of this bill, the House seeks to modernize Americas energy infrastructure, update and protect our nations electric grid to withstand 21st Century threats, and strengthen Americas status as the leading producer of oil and natural gas. H.R. 8 also seeks to improve energy efficiency, lower electric bills, and make government energy programs more efficient and accountable. I applaud this bills passage and look forward to its approval in the Senate. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=45ff0b30-2547-478c-a596-712702e722a0 | Arkansas Senators Will Hold up Obama Nominee Until They Get Answers on Clean Line | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONArkansas U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton today announced they are placing a hold on the confirmation vote of President Obamas nominee for the Department of Energys (DOE) Under Secretary for Management and Performance, Victoria Marie Baecher Wassmer, because of the departments insufficient response to the Arkansas Congressional Delegations letter related to the potential partnership with the Clean Line project. The senators released the following statement: The Department of Energy has provided insufficient and incomplete responses to a series of questions from members of the Senate and House related to the Departments implementation of Section 1222 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. A requested meeting with the Secretary of Energy to discuss these matters has not yet occurred. We are also deeply concerned by the financial arrangements between the Department andapplicantslike Clean Line. The Department has still not explained how it avoids conflicts of interest when applicants like Clean Line pay the salaries and expenses associated with pending applications. Before the Federal Government exercises eminent domain over Arkansans privateproperty, Arkansans at least deserve a fair process without conflicts of interest. We want to facilitate the consideration of this nomination by the full Senate as quickly as possible, but first we need adequate and complete responses to the questions weve asked. Responses received so far, while appreciated, have been partial and largely thematic, failing to address many of the specific questions raised in our September 14, 2015 bicameral letter. We hope to meet with the Secretary soon and we hope this matter can be resolved quickly. Click here to read a copy of the letter. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=266 | Cotton Introduces the Liberty Through Strength Act II | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 2, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) will today introduce the Liberty Through Strength Act II, which would stop the Obama administration from deleting all records of terrorist communications and make permanent congressional authorizations for counterterrorism tools that are vital to tracking and stopping attacks on Americans. "On Sunday our constitutional, legal, and proven NSA collection architecture shifted to an untested, less effective system in the dead of the night. This shift came at a time when our enemies are emboldened and we face an elevated national security threat. Worse, President Obama has decided that he will press delete on the metadata records we currently have, making it impossible to identify terrorist connections among these data that would reveal ISIS and Al Qaeda sleeper cells." "The gaps in our intelligence system created by the USA FREEDOM Act leave us less safe and provide us with fewer tools to fight our enemies. No matter what President Obama may think, it's clear ISIS is not contained and that these gaps must be addressed before they attack us again. The Liberty Through Strength Act II ensures our intelligence community has the tools they need keep us safe." Background: In June, the Senate passed the USA FREEDOM ACT, which dramatically altered the NSA metadata collection system. These changes were effective December 1, 2015. The Liberty Through Strength Act II would: Require the federal government to hold on to the legacy 215 metadata for five years and authorize its use for queries. Makes permanent the USA PATRIOT Act's "Roving Wiretap" provisions. Makes permanent the Intelligence Reform and Terrorist Prevention Act (IRTPA) "Lone Wolf" provisions. Makes Title VII of FISA permanent. Clarifies the FBI's authority to obtain electronic communications transactional records (EC… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=267 | Arkansas Senators Will Place Hold on Confirmation of Obama Nominee Until They Get Answers on Clean Line | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | December 2, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.-- Arkansas U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton today announced they are placing a hold on the confirmation vote of President Obama's nominee for the Department of Energy's (DOE) Under Secretary for Management and Performance, Victoria Marie Beacher Wassmer, because of the department's insufficient response to the Arkansas Congressional Delegation's letter related to the potential partnership with the Clean Line project. The senators released the following statement: "The Department of Energy has provided insufficient and incomplete responses to a series of questions from members of the Senate and House related to the Department's implementation of section 1222 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. A requested meeting with the Secretary of Energy to discuss these matters has not yet occurred. We are also deeply concerned by the financial arrangements between the Department and applicants like Clean Line. The Department has still not explained how it avoids conflicts of interest when applicants like Clean Line pay the salaries and expenses associated with pending applications. Before the Federal Government exercises eminent domain over Arkansans' private property, Arkansans at least deserve a fair process without conflicts of interest. We want to facilitate the consideration of this nomination by the full Senate as quickly as possible, but first we need adequate and complete responses to the questions we've asked. Responses received so far, while appreciated, have been partial and largely thematic, failing to address many of the specific questions raised in our September 14, 2015 bicameral letter. We hope to meet with the Secretary soon and we hope this matter can be resolved quickly." Click here to read a copy of the letter. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-sjres-23-and-sjres-24 | Westerman Statement on S.J.Res. 23 and S.J.Res. 24 | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON Congressman Bruce Westerman issued the following statement Tuesday (Dec. 1) after passage of S.J.Res. 23 and S.J. Res. 24, resolutions which express congressional disapproval of the Obama administrations greenhouse gas emissions rules: Passage of these resolutions opposing the Obama administrations attack on fossil fuels is a stand for Arkansas economic well-being and will be better for the environment in the long run. The citizens of Arkansas continue to pay the price for the presidents executive actions. We must put an end to the executive branchs out of control policy making, which will cause a loss of American jobs and hurt the bottom line of families across Arkansas. Its the job of Congress to make policy, not the president. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398635 | ICYMI: Womack Speaks Out Against Clean Power Plan on House Floor | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, in a speech given on the House Floor, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) spoke out against the Clean Power Plan and urged the House to support S.J. Res. 24, a joint resolution to provide for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units. Mr. Speaker, theres no question that we are all searching for a brighter future for generations to come. We disagree, however, on how to get there and, in this case, the effects that our decisions could have on the environment and the American family in the process. Frankly, the EPAs Clean Power Plan will result in little-to-no environmental benefit at the expense of thousands of jobs and countless dollars and hours spent on compliance, all for the sake of an unrelenting government agencys agenda and the desired environmental legacy of this Administration. Its as simple as that. The full video can be found here. Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansass Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor-Health and Human Services subcommittees and the House Committee on the Budget. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4492b7e4-1add-4eb4-b487-4827ffd5e031 | Boozman Recognizes the Life of Arkansas Aviator Milton Pitts Crenchaw | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman recognized the life and legacy of Milton Pitts Crenchaw, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, in the Congressional Record, the official proceedings of Congress. Crenchaw was born and raised in Little Rock. He passed away on November 17, 2015 and was laid to rest today at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. The following remarks will be printed in the Congressional Record: Mr. President, I rise today to honor Milton Pitts Crenchaw, an aviation pioneer from Little Rock, Arkansas who paved the way for integration in the United States Military and impacted generations of aviators. Crenchaw, known as the father of black aviation in Arkansas, developed a love of flying while at the Tuskegee Institute. He exceled in the program and after earning his pilot license, he pursued his instructors certificate. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Crenchaw joined the Army Air Corps Civilian Pilot Training Program as a flight instructor. He had the distinction of being one of the original supervising squadron commanders for the Tuskegee Airmen. He trained hundreds of cadets during the 1940s, an accomplishment he was rightfully proud of. The first thing that he takes pride in is that he and the other black flight instructors paved the way for people of color to enter the field of aviation. He is proud that he was chosen to implement that program, his daughter Dolores Crenchaw Singleton said in a recent interview. Crenchaw helped break the barriers that existed in the military. His passion for aviation continued after his tenure at Tuskegee, serving as a flight instructor at several air bases, including Camp Rucker, Alabama, where he became the first black flight instructor. Crenchaw honorably served with the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force for more than 40 years. He also shared his love of aviation with Arkansas, and he was instrumental in creating an aviation program at Philander Smith College in Little Rock. Crenchaw taught aviation at the school from 1947 to 1953, hol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4de67b44-584a-46df-b910-4f6da4d5e3d2 | Boozman Highlights WWII Arkansas Veteran Celebrating his 98th Birthday in 'Salute to Veterans' | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman is celebrating the 98th birthday of WWII veteran Robert Fahr with his second interview highlighting the service and sacrifice of Arkansans who served our nation in uniform as part of his series Salute to Veterans. Fahr, born December 1, 1917 near Marmaduke, Arkansas was the youngest of 11 children. He studied at the University of Arkansas where he joined the Army ROTC before finishing requirements for his veterinary medicine degree at Texas A&M. They sent me to a medical field delivery school, Fahr said of his time at Fort Sam Houston. There were about 1,600 MDs and dentists and I think 12 veterinarians. We got training in field medicine, injuries and treatment of wounded soldiers on the field. The Army transferred him around stateside to utilize his expertise with animals including time at Camp Hale, Colorado where he recalled riding mules being trained through the mountains. I was there to check mules in and the soldiers going overseas see their health was good enough to go overseas and carry the ammunition, he said. Fahr was set to deploy overseas, but the night before, he received a telegram from Washington reassigning him to Baltimore, Maryland. His new assignment supported efforts of all the branches of the military in preparation for the invasion of Normandy. I went down to where the ships were loading to make the invasion to France, Fahr said as he recalled the large amounts of eggs and sausage that were on the ships. It would be about 90 cars a train and the allies put the food on all the ships going over for the invasion. You could see ships as far as the eye could see, Fahr recalled. Robert Fahr has a unique perspective of WWII. His help stateside to support the war was vital to Allied efforts. I am proud to recognize his service and dedication to our nation. His memories of his service are an important part of our history, Boozman said. The entire interview with Fahr will be submitted to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=67839c5a-bab4-4a96-83d6-f22ed8231025 | Fighting Terrorism | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | The barbaric acts of terrorism carried out by the Islamic State (ISIS) terror organization in Paris, France and Beirut, Lebanon are an assault on democracy, our freedoms and our way of life. Innocent people are victims of this brutal terrorist organization in gruesome fashion. These tragic events unified the resolve of people all over the world to fight and defeat the threat of radical Islamic extremism. The ruthlessness of ISIS knows no bounds or borders. We must take action to stop ISIS before it can carry out an attack on American soil. The number one priority of the federal government is to ensure our national security. Unfortunately, polls conducted in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks shows Americans are less confident in their safety here at home. While the President says ISIS is contained, his former National Security Advisor, Thomas Donilon, recently said on CBS Face the Nation that the terrorist network has metastasized. ISIS represents a serious threat and it's about time the President understands the gravity these terrorists pose to our homeland. President Obama has never presented a strategy to Congress for eliminating ISIS and our sporadic airstrikes have done nothing to stop ISIS from gaining ground and strengthening its global reach. Instead of leading on this issue and taking immediate steps to implement a plan to defeat ISISa group he once dubbed as the jayvee teamthe President called the Paris attacks a setback and has offered no change in our current strategy, which is clearly failing. I'm concerned that President Obama does not have an effective plan to protect Americans at home and defeat ISIS abroad. Arkansans are worried that in its efforts to attack our country, ISIS will infiltrate the refugee population fleeing the civil war in Syria and gain access to our country through our nations refugee program. Thats why Senator Tom Cotton and I called for a temporary moratorium on resettling Syrian refugees until the American people have the confidence there is a verifiable security ve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398632 | Press Release: Lawmakers: Congress Must Act on Ethanol Mandate | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Following the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) release of the final rules for the 2014-2016 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.), and Jim Costa (D-Calif.) released the following statement: The EPAs decision to funnel more ethanol into the fuel supply is terribly disappointing. The RFS requirements announced today will push ethanol volumes beyond the blendwall in 2016, leaving American consumers and our economy to feel the negative effects. While well-intentioned, its now abundantly clear the RFS is a broken policy that is having drastic impacts onfamilies, small businesses and retailers, the agriculture community, andthe environment. Neglecting the concerns of 184 bipartisan Members of the House of Representatives over increasing ethanol requirements, the EPA proceeded anyway. And since the EPA refuses to keep RFS volumes below the blendwall, Congress must act to fix this broken ethanol mandate. A growing majority in Congress has recognized the real-world limitations of this bungled policy, and a recent survey found 70 percent of Americans oppose it. The RFS Reform Act is a solution to the problems created by the ethanol mandate, and our bill would finally provide much-needed, long-term relief for those impacted by the failures of this policy. Recently, 184 bipartisan Members of the House of Representatives joined in sending a letter to EPA Administrator McCarthy expressing concerns regarding the proposed 2016 RFS requirements. In February 2015, Goodlatte, Welch, Womack, and Costa introduced the RFS Reform Act (H.R. 704), which eliminates corn-based ethanol requirements, caps the amount of ethanol that can be blended into conventional gasoline at 10 percent, and requires the EPA to set cellulosic biofuels levels at production levels. Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansass Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor-Health and Human… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=263 | Senator Tom Cotton in Foreign Affairs 'Proxy Wars' | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | Russia's Intervention in Syria and What Washington Should Do November 30, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Proxy WarsForeign AffairsBy: Senator Tom Cotton The attacks by the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) in Paris have forced a major rethinking of U.S. strategy in the Syrian conflict. A part of that rethinking must be U.S. President Barack Obama's unwise decision to treat Russia as a legitimate partner in negotiations over Syria's future. At the G-20 meeting in Turkey this week, Russia quickly offered itself as a key partner in the fight against ISIS and the stabilization of Syria, and Obama again expressed his willingness to entertain that notion. This is a grave mistake. Rather than being a constructive partner, President Vladimir Putin's Russia has been engaged in a proxy war against the United States in Syria, despite Obama's protestations to the contrary. And when an enemy wages war against the United States, it does not get to choose whether it is at war; its only choice is to win or lose. Right now, the United States is losing the proxy war in Syria-and a wider competition for regional influence-against Russia. And it will continue to do so without a dramatic shift in policy to confront Russian aggression. A PROXY WAR AND THE WIDER STRUGGLE In Syria, Putin professes that he wants to fight ISIS, but this is mere posturing. Even with new Russian strikes on ISIS-controlled areas in the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks and the downing of the Russian airliner over the Sinai Peninsula, Russian forces have trained the large majority of its bombs on coalition-backed opposition fighters. Putin has also explicitly stated that he wants to prop up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which directly contrasts with stated U.S. policy. Turkey, a NATO ally, has suf… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=264 | Cotton Seeking Spring Internship Applications | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 30, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) announced today he is seeking spring interns in his Washington, D.C. office and his state offices in Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Springdale. Internships will be offered in two sessions: January 26, 2016 - March 26, 2016 and March 29, 2016 - May 31, 2016. Interns will have the opportunity to experience the daily operations of Senator Cotton's office and witness the legislative process firsthand. Depending on their college requirements, students may be able to receive academic credit for their service. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to internships@cotton.senate.gov and specify their desired office location. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/alta-encouraged-cfpb-statement-trid-hold-harmless-period | ALTA Encouraged by CFPB Statement on TRID Hold-Harmless Period | 2015-11-29 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, released the following statement in response to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray's testimony before the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee today: "We appreciate Director Cordray once again recognizing the need for a hold-harmless period for companies that make a good-faith effort to comply with the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures (TRID) regulation," said Diane Evans NTP, ALTA president. "We are encouraged by Director Cordray's statement that any enforcement action on TRID would be diagnostic and not punitive during the first few months of implementation. We look forward to additional guidance from the CFPB as we approach the October 3 TRID implementation date." "ALTA knows its members are ready for implementation of this regulation. However, we know from previous regulation implementations that there will be a learning curve and unforeseen issues once the new forms are used in real homebuyer transactions." "An official hold-harmless period would help ensure our industry can adapt their business processes and continue to meet homebuyer's needs as we transition to using the forms in actual real estate transactions. Until the CFPB issues this formal guidance, ALTA members will continue to support legislative action, such as H.R. 3192 sponsored by Reps. French Hill (R-AR) and Brad Sherman (D-CA)." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=262 | Cotton Statement on Thanksgiving | 2015-11-26 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 26, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on Thanksgiving: "I want to wish all of you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving from the entire Cotton family. In the earliest days of our nation President Washington established a day of Thanksgiving for Americans to, in his words, acknowledge with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.' So today and every day, let us come together with grateful hearts and give thanks for our many blessings. And as we celebrate with family and friends, let us also remember our troops, diplomats, and intelligence officials serving our country around the world who are unable to be with their loved ones today. To each of you, on behalf of the people of a grateful nation, I extend our deepest thanks for your honorable and faithful service." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=71caf792-1fa0-406f-a789-9268745e860e | Reining in EPA Overreach | 2015-11-25 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Arkansans regularly share with me their frustrations and concerns of Washingtons overreach into their lives. At the top of the list are the unnecessary burdens imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While we all support commonsense environmental protections, the EPAs overreach in our state and nationwide causes much uncertainty. Thats why Congress is taking steps to rein it in. David, a North Little Rock resident who works in the construction industry, recently emailed me in support of protecting our nations waters. However, he made it clear that he believes the EPAs waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule will create huge problems and uncertainty for his industry. David wrote that costs will increase, the industry will lose jobs and he and others will face unnecessary delays that have nothing to do with protecting our waters. I share Davids concerns. EPAs WOTUS rule is a classic example of overreach. This rule gives the agency much greater power to oversee the land use decisions of homeowners, small businesses and family farms throughout Arkansas under the guise of water protection. Surface water is already protected by the federal government under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and through state and local measures. The Obama Administration is trying to overrule state and local conservation efforts, with a one-size-fits-all approach from Washington. The EPAs mandates have far reach. The agency is implementing a carbon dioxide emissions regulation that will severely impact Arkansas and threaten manufacturing jobs. Congress already rejected a similar policy. In October I toured the Independence Steam Electric Station in Newark. The coal-fired plant is one of five in Arkansas that provide a reliable source of affordable energy but is threatened by this mandate. Unfortunately, the EPAs proposal makes Arkansas families vulnerable to higher energy costs, electricity blackouts and job cuts hitting hardworking families, seniors and those struggling to make ends meet the hardest. Arkansas is taking steps … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398631 | Womack Spring 2016 Internship Applications Due December 1st | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) is currently seeking hard-working college students and recent graduates to serve as interns in his Washington, D.C. office, as well as his district offices in Rogers, Fort Smith, and Harrison, for the following session: Spring 2016:January-May* *Dates are flexible. A congressional internship is a rewarding experience, and both Washington, D.C. and district office interns will work closely with Congressman Womacks staff and constituents while learning the inner workings of the United States Congress and about issues affecting Arkansans. Those interested in political science, government, public policy, business, and social work are encouraged to apply. Internship requirements and application materials are available onCongressman Womack's website. College students and recent graduates who are interested in interning should submit a completed application by Tuesday, December 1, 2015. For more information, please call (202) 225-4301. Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansass Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor-Health and Human Services subcommittees and the House Committee on the Budget. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=02548129-0054-478c-b8d2-68d9b75eaad2 | Boozman Leads Effort to Recognize Small Business Saturday | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Small Business Saturday has joined Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the post-Thanksgiving shopping blitz. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) encourages Arkansans to support Small Business Saturday and shop locally on November 28, 2015. Small businesses are the engines of our economy. They employ half of the workforce in our country and make up 99 percent of all U.S. businesses. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for us to recognize local businesses and neighborhood retailers and the important role they play in our communities. By taking the small step of shopping locally this Christmas season, we can make a big impact on our local economy, Boozman said. Boozman is a cosponsor of the Senate-passed resolution that designates Saturday, November 28, 2015 as Small Business Saturday, encourages consumers to shop locally and highlights the importance of small business to our economy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/felsenthal-national-wildlife-refuge-slated-extend-public-comment-period | Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge slated to Extend the Public Comment Period for the Proposed Habitat Management Plan | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge has extended the public comment period for its proposed habitat management plan. The following is a press release from the refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed a draft Habitat Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (draft HMP/EA) as stepped down from the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The initial deadline for comments was set for November but will now extend through the end of December allowing for 34 additional days. The proposed plan will benefit migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, resident wildlife, bottomland hardwood, wetland, and upland forest. A key purpose of this HMP is to refine/revise management objectives and strategies. Successful conservation strategies will recognize the dynamic nature of bottomland and upland forested systems as a continuing, on-going condition. The HMP addresses significant issues associated with water management of the Felsenthal pool, moist-soil and sanctuary management, red-cockaded woodpecker management, nuisance animal management, and water quality. Three different management alternatives are evaluated. For comments to be considered in the preparation of the final plan, comments must be submitted by the extended December 31, 2015 deadline. You may submit comments in writing to the refuge office or by email at tina_chouinard@fws.gov. To obtain a copy of the Draft HMP/EA please: For more information or to speak with our staff, contact Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, (870)364-3167. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=59098f7a-c35a-4d88-8616-7ecdef3f5677 | ICYMI: Boozman Discusses ISIS, Syrian Refugees and more on Talk Business | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONAs the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group continues to spread its global reach and attack innocent civilians, protecting the American public has to be the number one job for lawmakers in Washington, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) told Roby Brock during an appearance on Talk Business & Politics over the weekend. Boozman said that the American public does not feel that the Obama administration has an effective plan to protect us here at home and defeat ISIS abroad. The President of France called this an act of war by Islamic terrorists. Sadly, our president is calling it a setback. We dont want any setbacks occurring in this country. So I think you look at military strikes, you leave everything on the table, but you act appropriately with our allies, Boozman said. Watch the wide-ranging interview that that touched on topics ranging from ISIS to the highway bill below. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arkansas-4-back-refugee-limits | Arkansas' 4 back refugee limits | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON -- All four members of Arkansas' House delegation backed legislation Thursday making it harder for aliens from Iraq or Syria to be admitted into the United States as refugees. And U.S. Sen. John Boozman is predicting that the Senate will pass the same or similar legislation and send it to the president's desk. Second District U.S. Rep. French Hill of Little Rock, 3rd District U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Rogers and 4th District U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs were all sponsors of the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act, also known as the American SAFE Act. Hill and 1st District U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro have also filed separate bills addressing refugee resettlement. All four representatives are Republicans, as is Boozman. Thursday's House approval of the American SAFE Act was about "keeping our country safe," Westerman said, questioning the U.S. government's ability to do proper background checks in countries split by years of civil war. "I think our foremost responsibility is to protect American citizens," he said. Homeland Security officials "can't guarantee ... that there's no risk to these people coming into the country," Westerman said, adding, "I've not got a lot of confidence in the way the administration is addressing this." The bill gained approval six days after last week's Paris terrorist attacks, and Westerman said new House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin deserved credit for making it a priority. "For Congress, it's breakneck speed to be able to pass a bill in less than a week in response to those attacks," he said. The other three Arkansans in the House issued written statements expressing satisfaction with Thursday's vote. "The safety and security of the American people is my top priority," Womack said, adding that he was proud to be a co-sponsor. "We must strengthen our vetting and security policies to stop President Obama from haphazardly admitting waves of Syrian refugees and ensure that individuals associated with terrorism cannot enter our nation and our co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arkansas-house-delegation-votes-bill-halt-admission-refugees | Arkansas House Delegation Votes For Bill To Halt Admission Of Refugees | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | LITTLE ROCK A bill to halt the admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq into the U.S. passed in the U.S. House on Thursday with the support of all four members from Arkansas. The American Security Against Foreign Enemies, or SAFE, Act passed 289-137, with 47 Democrats joining Republicans to approve the measure. The bill would put the current refugee resettlement program on hold until Syrian and Iraqi refugees undergo a more stringent vetting process. The bill was rushed through in response to last Fridays deadly attacks in Paris. Authorities suspect at least one of the attackers may have entered Europe with a group of Syrian refugees. President Barack Obama has threatened a veto, but the number of House members who voted for the bill would be enough to override a veto. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, said Thursday, The administration and the FBI have already said they cannot verify refugees from Syria are not radicalized, so this bill would immediately stop the flow of unverifiable and potentially dangerous individuals into the United States. This commonsense legislation is supported by the vast majority of America. It has bi-partisan support and it is a bill the president should support to prevent future attacks instead of vetoing this bill. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, said, The safety and security of the American people is my top priority, which is why I am proud to cosponsor and vote in favor of the American SAFE Act. We must strengthen our vetting and security policies to stop President Obama from haphazardly admitting waves of Syrian refugees and ensure that individuals associated with terrorism cannot enter our nation and our communities. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, said his is proud of the United States tradition of serving as a haven for immigrants and refugees from around the world. However, given the complexity of the current situation and global threats of terrorist attacks, I worry that some, under the guise of the refugee program, would come to our shores in a deliberate attempt to take … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=261 | Senators Write Secretary Carter and General Dunford With Concerns Over Release of Shaker Aamer From Guantanamo Bay | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 20, 2015 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) along with Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today sent letters to the Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., expressing concern over the Obama Administration's recent release of Shaker Aamer from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. The letters note that the notification of transfer for Mr. Aaemer did not list the Joint Chiefs of Staff as one of the entities "concurring" and "approving" of the transfer, as is normally the case. This indicates that the Chairman of the Joint Cheifs of Staff did not agree with the Administration's decision to release Shaker Aamer. The letters go on to request Secretary Carter and General Dunford answers to questions about this transfer to the Senate and House Armed Services, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, Homeland Security, and Appropriations Committees. The questions to Secretary Carter are: 1. What were the key factors that led the Joint Chiefs not to concur on your decision to transfer Shaker Aamer? 2. Were the Joint Chiefs concerned that his release could put at risk the lives of U.S. servicemembers? 3. Do you plan to continue seeking the advice of the Joint Chiefs on future transfers? 4. Did you review the Shaker Aamer press release prior to publication? If so, why did you publicly claim the Guantanamo Review Task Force unanimously supported Aamer's transfer when it does not appear the Joint Chiefs supported that transfer decision? The questions to General Dunford are: 1. What were the key factors that led the Joint Chiefs to not to concur on the decision to transfer Shaker Aamer? 2. Did … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arkansan-us-house-members-eldridge-join-call-bar-syrian-refugees | Arkansan U.S. House Members, Eldridge Join Call To Bar Syrian Refugees | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | LITTLE ROCK The four members of Arkansas U.S. House delegation were among 110 House members who sent a letter to the White House on Wednesday urging President Barack Obama to halt the admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq into the U.S. Also Wednesday, Democratic Senate candidate Conner Eldridge of Fayetteville said he supports suspending refugee resettlement. The action follows statements by more than 20 governors, including Gov. Asa Hutchinson, voicing opposition to accepting Syrian refugees. We urge you to immediately halt admissions of refugees from Syria and Iraq onto American soil, the letter from the House members reads. We ask that these admissions remain suspended until your administration creates both a truly thorough vetting process to identify individuals who pose a security threat and an extensive monitoring process for all relocated refugees that ensures Americans are safe from potential threats. The letter also asks that all information used to justify admitting a refugee be submitted to the House and Senate Judiciary, Intelligence and Homeland Security committees. Reps. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, Steve Womack, R-Rogers, French Hill, R-Little Rock, and Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, signed their names to the letter. Crawford also introduced a bill Tuesday that would halt the acceptance of refugees from Syria and Iraq and give governors authority to decide whether to allow refugees into their states. U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton, both R-Ark., have called for a moratorium on accepting refugees from Syria. Eldridge, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Arkansas who is seeking Boozmans Senate seat, said in a statement Wednesday, I support suspending refugee resettlement in the U.S. at least until we review the resettlement programs vetting process, which I believe is a responsible and reasonable action to ensure our safety here at home. Obama has stood by his plan to increase potential admissions of Syrian refugees into the U.S. over the next two years. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arkansas-house-members-vote-expanded-refugee-vetting-temporary-halt | Arkansas House Members Vote For Expanded Refugee Vetting, Temporary Halt | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Arkansas's all-Republican US House delegation voted for the nation to temporarily stop taking in Syrian and Iraqi refugees while expanding the vetting process. Central Arkansas Congressman French Hill talked about his vote with KUAR. KAUFFMAN: The House just voted to stop taking in Syrian and Iraqi refugees, temporarily, in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Paris. The bill passed today, the SAFE Act, calls for the US to temporarily stop taking in refugees, less than 200 were admitted last month (President Obama is calling for 10,000), and charges federal agencies with improving the vetting process. So, how do they do that? What do you envision the process to be? HILL: It takes the existing vetting process that the Department of State and Homeland Security through the Border Patrol do now. It puts on top of it a certification process where the director of the FBI, the Department of State, the director of National Intelligence all certify that these refugees have passed the background test and that they dont present a national security risk to the U.S. It doesnt really change the existing vetting process, it puts on top of it this additional certification step by the leaders of the intelligence community. KAUFFMAN: Do you think it's feasible to ask each director to individually assess each of these people? The process on average already takes over a year. HILL: The state Department and border security agents do that now on an individual, customized basis. They do personal interviews, they do biometric screenings and so they would get that information from the Department of State and review it, verify it and certify it. In my view I dont think it will add a meaningful amount of time to the vetting process that we have now. But it does give people more comfort that the top echelons of our national security apparatus have in mind that any potential of a national security threat from someone who comes seeking asylum would have that extra stamp of approval. KAUFFMAN: A prod in the way of accountability for the heads… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/cotton-halt-law-phone-warrants | Cotton: Halt law on phone warrants | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON -- With Paris still reeling from Friday's terrorist attacks and with Islamic State militants threatening similar strikes in the United States, a law that will require the government to get a search warrant before accessing telephone records should be put on hold, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton said Wednesday. The Arkansas Republican introduced legislation this week to delay its implementation for more than a year. Click here to read more. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-votes-approve-syrianiraqi-refugee-bill-timing-senate-vote-uncertain | House votes to approve Syrian/Iraqi refugee bill, timing on Senate vote uncertain (Updated) | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | A bill that would seek to strengthen background checks and security dealing with Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Paris received the support of Arkansas four members of the U.S. House. The 289-173 vote about three votes more than a veto-proof majority was on HR 4038. The bill, co-sponsored by 89 House members including U.S. Reps. French Hill, R-Little Rock; Steve Womack, R-Rogers; and Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs; now heads to the Senate where it faces a battle. Votes fell largely along party lines. There were 242 Republicans and 47 Democrats voting for the bill, with two Republicans and 135 Democrats opposing. Westerman and Womack said the bill would protect Americans and provide security. The American SAFE Act is a first step in keeping Americans safe, but its not the end of our work, Westerman said. Immediately following the terror attacks in Paris six days ago, the Members of the House worked over the weekend to expedite legislation already in development to address the refugee issues and designed to step up security in the United States. The SAFE Act will require the administration to verify these refugees are not terrorists. The administration and the FBI have already said they cannot verify refugees from Syria are not radicalized, so this bill would immediately stop the flow of unverifiable and potentially dangerous individuals into the United States. This common sense legislation is supported by the vast majority of America. It has bi-partisan support and it is a bill the president should support to prevent future attacks instead of vetoing this bill. Westerman also said if President Obama attempts to veto the legislation, that Congress has other tools to protect the homeland. Womack said his vote was about national security. The safety and security of the American people is my top priority, which is why I am proud to cosponsor and vote in favor of the American SAFE Act. We must strengthen our vetting and security policies to stop President Obama from haphazardly admi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-introduces-legislation-expand-refugee-vetting-process | Hill Introduces Legislation to Expand Refugee Vetting Process | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) introduced H.R. 4086, the Security Verification for Refugees Act, a bill that would expand the vetting process proposed under H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015. In H.R. 4038, the term covered alien only includes refugees from Syria and Iraq. H.R. 4086 would redefine the term covered alien to include anyone seeking asylum in America from a country that is designated as a high-risk threat to the United States by the U.S. Department of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Refugees applying for asylum from high-risk countries would require individual verification by DHS, FBI, and DNI before being granted admission to the United States. After introducing the bill, Congressman Hill released the following statement: America needs to remain a beacon of hope, liberty, and freedom for the rest of the world. However, in maintaining that promise, we also need to maintain our promise of defending the American people from the very real threats our enemies pose. Todays vote in the House gets the ball moving in the right direction, but it is missing needed provisions that will avoid this same pitfall down the road. My bill takes what is good about the SAFE Act and broadens those provisions to apply to a refugee from any country that poses a high-risk threat to our democracy. The attacks in Paris were a tragic reminder of what our enemies are capable of and a wake up call that we need to be not only reactive, but also proactive in how we deal with these threats. Like the SAFE Act, The Security Verification for Refugees Act will give Congress additional oversight of our entire refugee vetting process and create another layer of security to ensure that those seeking asylum in the United States are doing so because they want to live in the greatest country in worldnot because they want to de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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