url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/editorials?ContentRecord_id=24827AF9-45F7-4B35-98C9-0AE8DF0F7546,Looking ahead: What's in Store for 2017,2016-12-30,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"by U.S. Sen. John Boozman For the first time since 2007, Republicans have control of Congress and the White House. We are excited about moving forward with an agenda that will improve the lives of citizens in Arkansas and across the country.  Congress is set to start working on a plan to deliver on the promises made during this past election season. I’ve received many questions about what our priorities will be and how we can accomplish them, so I wanted to take this opportunity to answer some of them.  One question that is frequently raised deals with the president-elect’s nominees to lead Cabinet-level departments and agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, Department of State and others. It’s important to remember that certain nominees must be confirmed by the Senate as outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, while some of the president’s advisors, like the White House Chief of Staff, are not.  I welcome the opportunity to weigh in on the nominees that President-elect Trump will put forward for Senate confirmation. I anticipate that the men and women he chooses to help lead his administration will be highly qualified individuals of character with proven records of expertise, but I am eager to evaluate each nominee on the basis of his or her own merits. I look forward to carefully considering each nominee in accordance with my constitutional duty.  Another priority for Congress will be to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a free-market, patient-centered approach that will expand coverage and lower costs. I’ve heard from many Arkansans who have seen their deductibles rise and are now paying for what amounts to catastrophic coverage under Obamacare and they are wondering how we will solve these problems.  Republicans’ answer will be to pursue policies that will lower costs, including allowing Americans to shop across state lines for their health insurance, allowing small businesses to pool together to purchase group insurance and introduce portability to the market to ensure that hardworking Americans don’t have disruptions in their coverage when they change jobs. Congress may also consider an approach that would send hard-earned tax dollars back to the states in the form of block grants so state leaders can decide how best to offer affordable health insurance to as many citizens as possible.  Finally, one of the most pressing items on the agenda will be to undo many of the regulations created under the Obama administration that are harming the economy and stifling job creation. When President Obama was unwilling or unable to work with Congress, he often resorted to empowering executive agencies to unilaterally create rules and regulations without input from stakeholders.  New rules from the Environmental Protection Agency have threatened farmers, ranchers, private land owners and energy producers while simultaneously raising costs without delivering on promises of cleaner air and water in addition to taking control away from states and creating uncertainty. The Department of Labor has also created rules that are harmful to small businesses and will negatively impact job creators.  Reversing these regulations is going to be a top priority in Congress because it is critical to getting our economy moving in the right direction.  Those are just a few of the many items Congress will be addressing in 2017. I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues and the new administration to solve the problems facing our country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=567,Cotton Statement on President Obama's Response to Russian Attempts to Influence United States Political Process,2016-12-29,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the sanctioning of Russian entities and the expulsion of Russian personnel from the United States: ""The actions taken today by the Obama administration are just more of the same failed foreign policy of the last eight years: a series of too little too late, half measures designed to be appear tough, with minimal practical impact. Sanctioning Russian entities associated with the intrusion of the DNC sounds bold, but it's unclear what the practical impact will be on organizations that likely don't have holdings in the United States. ""While I applaud the expulsion of 35 Russian officials and the closure of two of their facilities, these steps should have taken place immediately after one of our diplomats was viciously assaulted by a Russian security guard on our Embassy soil in Moscow. The delay was undoubtedly another one of the many signs of weakness that led Putin to believe he could continue to target and harass the United States and that there would be no meaningful response from the Obama administration. If President Obama was serious about getting tough on Russia, he wouldn't have fought against-and threatened to veto legislation-designed to expose and thwart Russian intelligence operations, to include attempts to manipulate democratic processes.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=6B9B49C8-CF2C-449B-85A1-70EDF3696CFB,Year in Review,2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As the 114th Congress comes to an end and we turn the page on 2016 it’s time to reflect on the achievements that will make a difference in the lives of Arkansans and all Americans. Earlier this year, the Washington Examiner reported that the Republican-led Senate is “passing bills at a rate that has not been seen in decades.” This Congress, the Senate passed nearly 300 bills and nearly 200 of those became law. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act had overwhelming support in Congress because heroin and prescription drug abuse is an epidemic impacting Americans from all walks of life in all 50 states. I was proud to support this when it came before the Senate because it provides a broad response to fight addiction by expanding prevention, education, treatment and recovery efforts. It was signed into law this summer and will help save lives and give families with loved ones struggling with addiction hope that recovery is possible. Congress continued its commitment to fight the opioid epidemic earlier this month with the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act which will provide grants to states to fight opioid abuse in addition to advancing medical research for cures for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. For the first time in four decades, Congress reformed our nation’s chemical safety laws because they were not effective. Signed into law in July, The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act improves public confidence in the safety of chemicals, creates regulatory certainty for business and more uniform protections for American families. It allows us to take advantage of advances in technology and research to improve safety for consumers and the environment.  We also passed comprehensive veterans bills into law that included measures I helped introduce. Through these provisions, we were able to preserve successful programs for homeless veterans to help rebuild their lives, ensure that veterans who suffer service-ending combat-related injuries are not taxed on the severance payment they receive from the Department of Defense and give National Guard and Reserve retirees who served honorably for a minimum of 20 years but do not meet the active duty service requirement veteran status.  Congress also passed a resolution I authored to recognize the contributions of former Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright as we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. This has become an important diplomatic tool that promotes peace throughout the world. Legislation that improves consumer protections and strengthens air traveler security passed as part of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill. I was pleased to help write a provision in this legislation to reform general aviation medical standards for non-commercial pilots to allow them to fly many types of small, light aircraft without a third class medical certificate. To recognize the importance of Arkansas tree farmers’ economic and conservation efforts to our state and the 75th anniversary of the American Tree Farm System, I authored a resolution honoring this program that helps woodland owners sustain forests and promote the benefits they provide. The Senate passed this resolution in July. I’m pleased with what my colleagues and I have accomplished in the 114th Congress and I look forward to what we’ll be able to achieve with a new president. I’m excited about the next Congress and the opportunity we have to repeal and replace Obamacare and provide relief from the regulations imposed by the current administration. I wish you and your family all the best in 2017.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=574,Cotton in New York Times 'Fix Immigration. It's What Voters Want.',2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 28, 2016 Fix Immigration. It's What Voters Want.New York TimesBy: Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) Donald J. Trump smashed many orthodoxies on his way to victory, but immigration was the defining issue separating him from his primary opponents and Hillary Clinton. President-elect Trump now has a clear mandate not only to stop illegal immigration, but also to finally cut the generation-long influx of low-skilled immigrants that undermines American workers. Yet many powerful industries benefit from such immigration. They're arguing that immigration controls are creating a low-skilled labor shortage. ""We're pretty much begging for workers,"" Tom Nassif, the chief executive of Western Growers, a trade organization that represents farmers, said on CNN. A fast-food chain founder warned, ""Our industry can't survive without Mexican workers."" These same industries contend that stricter immigration enforcement will further shrink the pool of workers and raise their wages. They argue that closing our borders to inexpensive foreign labor will force employers to add benefits and improve workplace conditions to attract and keep workers already here. I have an answer to these charges: Exactly. Higher wages, better benefits and more security for American workers are features, not bugs, of sound immigration reform. For too long, our immigration policy has skewed toward the interests of the wealthy and powerful: Employers get cheaper labor, and professionals get cheaper personal services like housekeeping. We now need an immigration policy that focuses less on the most powerful and more on everyone else. It's been a quarter-century since Congress substantially reformed the immigration system. In that time, the population of people who are in this country illegally has nearly tripled, to more than 11 million. We've also accepted one million legal immigrants annually - and a vast majority are unskilled or low-skilled. Some people contend that low-skilled immigration doesn't depress wages. In his final State of the Union address, President Obama argued that immigrants aren't the ""principal reason wages haven't gone up; those decisions are made in the boardrooms that too often put quarterly earnings over long-term returns."" Yet those decisions are possible only in the context of a labor surplus caused by low-skilled immigration. In a tight labor market, bosses cannot set low wages and still attract workers. After all, the law of supply and demand is not magically suspended in the labor market. As immigrant labor has flooded the country, working-class wages have collapsed. Wages for Americans with only high school diplomas have declined by 2 percent since the late 1970s, and for those who didn't finish high school, they have declined by nearly 20 percent, according to Economic Policy Institute figures. No doubt automation and globalization have also affected wages, but mass immigration accelerates these trends with surplus labor, which of course decreases wages. Little wonder, then, that these Americans voted for the candidate who promised higher wages and less immigration instead of all the candidates - Republicans and Democrats alike - who promised essentially more of the same on immigration. America has always offered a basic deal: If you're willing to work hard and play by the rules, you can make a better life for yourself and your kids. But without good wages, this deal seems impossible, which is one reason so many Americans think their children will be worse off than they are. These Americans see cheap immigrant labor as a way to enrich the wealthy while creating a near permanent underclass for whom the American dream is always just out of reach. Yet, as if Mr. Trump's campaign never happened, companies in labor-intensive industries want to sustain or even increase current immigration flows. It's not hard to understand why. Cheap labor helps the bottom line. It is hard to understand why so many politicians would go along. The short-term interest of businesses isn't the same as the long-term national interest. Our country, like any country, needs borders and must decide who and how many can cross those borders. We must make this decision with the well-being of all our citizens in mind. Today, that means a large reduction in legal immigration and a reorientation toward ultra-high-skill immigrants. This policy would resemble the immigration systems of Canada and Australia, countries with similar advanced economies. While our system gives priority to reuniting extended families and low-skilled labor, their systems prize nuclear-family reunification and attributes like language skills, education and work experience. A similar system here would allow in immigrants like doctors to work in rural areas while not pushing down working-class wages. In some quarters, proposals like these invoke cries of ""nativism"" and ""xenophobia."" But recent immigrants are the very Americans who have to compete with new immigrants for jobs. Far from being anti-immigrant, this proposal would give recent arrivals a better shot at higher wages, stable work and assimilation. We have an immigration policy today that few Americans support or voted for. It's allowed legal and illegal immigration at levels divorced from what our economy needs. That has undermined the earning power of those Americans least able to afford it. But in this election, Americans finally demanded an end to this unthinking immigration system. President-elect Trump and Congress should take that mandate and act on it promptly in the new year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=566,Cotton Op-Ed in the New York Times “Fix Immigration. It's What Voters Want.”,2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 28, 2016 Fix Immigration. It's What Voters Want.New York TimesBy: Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) Donald J. Trump smashed many orthodoxies on his way to victory, but immigration was the defining issue separating him from his primary opponents and Hillary Clinton. President-elect Trump now has a clear mandate not only to stop illegal immigration, but also to finally cut the generation-long influx of low-skilled immigrants that undermines American workers. Yet many powerful industries benefit from such immigration. They're arguing that immigration controls are creating a low-skilled labor shortage. ""We're pretty much begging for workers,"" Tom Nassif, the chief executive of Western Growers, a trade organization that represents farmers, said on CNN. A fast-food chain founder warned, ""Our industry can't survive without Mexican workers."" These same industries contend that stricter immigration enforcement will further shrink the pool of workers and raise their wages. They argue that closing our borders to inexpensive foreign labor will force employers to add benefits and improve workplace conditions to attract and keep workers already here. I have an answer to these charges: Exactly. Higher wages, better benefits and more security for American workers are features, not bugs, of sound immigration reform. For too long, our immigration policy has skewed toward the interests of the wealthy and powerful: Employers get cheaper labor, and professionals get cheaper personal services like housekeeping. We now need an immigration policy that focuses less on the most powerful and more on everyone else. It's been a quarter-century since Congress substantially reformed the immigration system. In that time, the population of people who are in this country illegally has nearly tripled, to more than 11 million. We've also accepted one million legal immigrants annually - and a vast majority are unskilled or low-skilled. Some people contend that low-skilled immigration doesn't depress wages. In his final State of the Union address, President Obama argued that immigrants aren't the ""principal reason wages haven't gone up; those decisions are made in the boardrooms that too often put quarterly earnings over long-term returns."" Yet those decisions are possible only in the context of a labor surplus caused by low-skilled immigration. In a tight labor market, bosses cannot set low wages and still attract workers. After all, the law of supply and demand is not magically suspended in the labor market. As immigrant labor has flooded the country, working-class wages have collapsed. Wages for Americans with only high school diplomas have declined by 2 percent since the late 1970s, and for those who didn't finish high school, they have declined by nearly 20 percent, according to Economic Policy Institute figures. No doubt automation and globalization have also affected wages, but mass immigration accelerates these trends with surplus labor, which of course decreases wages. Little wonder, then, that these Americans voted for the candidate who promised higher wages and less immigration instead of all the candidates - Republicans and Democrats alike - who promised essentially more of the same on immigration. America has always offered a basic deal: If you're willing to work hard and play by the rules, you can make a better life for yourself and your kids. But without good wages, this deal seems impossible, which is one reason so many Americans think their children will be worse off than they are. These Americans see cheap immigrant labor as a way to enrich the wealthy while creating a near permanent underclass for whom the American dream is always just out of reach. Yet, as if Mr. Trump's campaign never happened, companies in labor-intensive industries want to sustain or even increase current immigration flows. It's not hard to understand why. Cheap labor helps the bottom line. It is hard to understand why so many politicians would go along. The short-term interest of businesses isn't the same as the long-term national interest. Our country, like any country, needs borders and must decide who and how many can cross those borders. We must make this decision with the well-being of all our citizens in mind. Today, that means a large reduction in legal immigration and a reorientation toward ultra-high-skill immigrants. This policy would resemble the immigration systems of Canada and Australia, countries with similar advanced economies. While our system gives priority to reuniting extended families and low-skilled labor, their systems prize nuclear-family reunification and attributes like language skills, education and work experience. A similar system here would allow in immigrants like doctors to work in rural areas while not pushing down working-class wages. In some quarters, proposals like these invoke cries of ""nativism"" and ""xenophobia."" But recent immigrants are the very Americans who have to compete with new immigrants for jobs. Far from being anti-immigrant, this proposal would give recent arrivals a better shot at higher wages, stable work and assimilation. We have an immigration policy today that few Americans support or voted for. It's allowed legal and illegal immigration at levels divorced from what our economy needs. That has undermined the earning power of those Americans least able to afford it. But in this election, Americans finally demanded an end to this unthinking immigration system. President-elect Trump and Congress should take that mandate and act on it promptly in the new year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-statement-anti-israel-un-resolution,Hill Statement on Anti-Israel UN Resolution,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, after the Obama Administration failed to veto the United Nations Security Council’s anti-Israel resolution, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement: “Down to the bitter end, the Obama Administration continues to undermine and threaten our relationship with Israel. Ambassador Power’s abstention vote might as well have been a vote in favor of this anti-Israel resolution. For decades, the cornerstone principle of American diplomatic policy toward Israel and Palestine has been that only through direct negotiations between the two countries can peace be achievable. Today, with the help of the Obama Administration, the United Nations delivered a major blow to the possibility of peace. The Republican led House, Senate, and new administration must now work to undo this harm, and restore our unshakeable alliance with Israel.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1302,Hill Statement on Anti-Israel UN Resolution,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Statement on Anti-Israel UN Resolution For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506 f t # e Washington, DC, December 23, 2016 Today, after the Obama Administration failed to veto the United Nations Security Council's anti-Israel resolution, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement: Down to the bitter end, the Obama Administration continues to undermine and threaten our relationship with Israel. Ambassador Power's abstention vote might as well have been a vote in favor of this anti-Israel resolution. For decades, the cornerstone principle of American diplomatic policy toward Israel and Palestine has been that only through direct negotiations between the two countries can peace be achievable.Today, with the help of the Obama Administration, the United Nations delivered a major blow to the possibility of peace. The Republican led House, Senate, and new administration must now work to undo this harm, and restore our unshakeable alliance with Israel. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/editorials?ContentRecord_id=739CB2A5-2F46-4570-8470-5BB71EEF0B8C,Reflecting on 2016 Accomplishments,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"by U.S. Senator John Boozman As the 114th Congress comes to an end and we turn the page on 2016, it’s time to reflect on the achievements that will make a difference in the lives of Arkansans and all Americans. Earlier this year, the Washington Examiner reported that the Republican-led Senate is “passing bills at a rate that has not been seen in decades.” This Congress, the Senate passed nearly 300 bills and nearly 200 of those became law. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act had overwhelming support in Congress because heroin and prescription drug abuse is an epidemic impacting Americans from all walks of life in all 50 states. I was proud to support this when it came before the Senate because it provides a broad response to fight addiction by expanding prevention, education, treatment and recovery efforts. It was signed into law this summer and will help save lives and give families with loved ones struggling with addiction hope that recovery is possible. Congress continued its commitment to fight the opioid epidemic earlier this month with the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act which will provide grants to states to fight opioid abuse in addition to advancing medical research for cures for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. For the first time in four decades, Congress reformed our nation’s chemical safety laws because they were not effective. Signed into law in July, The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act improves public confidence in the safety of chemicals, creates regulatory certainty for business and more uniform protections for American families. It allows us to take advantage of advances in technology and research to improve safety for consumers and the environment. We also passed comprehensive veterans bills into law that included measures I helped introduce. Through these provisions, we were able to preserve successful programs for homeless veterans to help rebuild their lives, ensure that veterans who suffer service-ending combat-related injuries are not taxed on the severance payment they receive from the Department of Defense and give National Guard and Reserve retirees who served honorably for a minimum of 20 years but do not meet the active duty service requirement veteran status. Congress also passed a resolution I authored to recognize the contributions of former Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright as we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. This has become an important diplomatic tool that promotes peace throughout the world. Legislation that improves consumer protections and strengthens air traveler security passed as part of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill. I was pleased to help write a provision in this legislation to reform general aviation medical standards for non-commercial pilots to allow them to fly many types of small, light aircraft without a third class medical certificate. To recognize the importance of Arkansas tree farmers’ economic and conservation efforts to our state and the 75th anniversary of the American Tree Farm System, I authored a resolution honoring this program that helps woodland owners sustain forests and promote the benefits they provide. The Senate passed this resolution in July. I’m pleased with what my colleagues and I have accomplished in the 114th Congress and I look forward to what we’ll be able to achieve with a new president. I’m excited about the next Congress and the opportunity we have to repeal and replace Obamacare and provide relief from the regulations imposed by the current administration. I wish you and your family all the best in 2017.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=01AE3D80-02F0-4821-B291-4224048E6402,Boozman Condemns UN Security Council Measure Attacking Israel,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement related to the U.N. Security Council's passage of a resolution criticizing Israel for its construction of settlements in the West Bank: “I am deeply disappointed in the United Nations Security Council's vote condemning Israel. More concerning is the failure of President Obama to use the United States’ veto to stop this attack. The United States has long maintained that any viable solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict must be the result of direct, bilateral negotiations between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority, whose leadership has purposefully and continually obstructed efforts to reach peace. The United Nations’ attempt to unilaterally impose a one-sided ‘solution’ undermines decades of work that has been put into the two-state solution. “We cannot turn our back on Israel, our greatest and sole democratic ally in the region. I am vehemently opposed to this decision, and will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and President-elect Trump to reinforce our commitment to Israel.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=565,Cotton Condemns Obama For Failing To Veto Anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2352 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement today condemning the Obama administration's failure to veto the U.N. Security Council resolution regarding Israel. ""President Obama is personally responsible for this anti-Israel resolution. His diplomats secretly coordinated the vote, yet he doesn't even have the courage of his own convictions to vote for it. This cowardly, disgraceful action cements President Obama's richly deserved legacy as the most anti-Israel president in American history.""This resolution hurts the prospects for a secure and just peace by targeting Israel for building homes in Jerusalem, its own capital, while not specifically addressing Palestinian incitement of and financial support for terrorism. That's why President Obama vetoed a similar, but less anti-Israel resolution in 2011-back when he still needed pro-Israel voters for his reelection. Moreover, as a Security Council resolution with the imprimatur of the United States, this resolution surpasses even the infamous ""Zionism is Racism"" General Assembly resolution in its irrational obsession with the Jewish state.""The United States provides considerable financial assistance to the United Nations and Security Council members. The UN and nations supporting this resolution have now imperiled all forms of U.S. assistance. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump and members of both parties in Congress to decide what the consequences for this action will be.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=562,Cotton Urges President Obama to Veto U.N. Security Council Resolution That Would Undermine Israel,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2016 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement urging President Obama to veto the U.N. Security Council resolution regarding Israel. He explains that a veto would be in accordance with longstanding U.S. policy and with a presidential tradition of deference to incoming presidents. ""I urge President Obama to veto the U.N. Security Council draft resolution that unfairly targets and undermines Israel. The path to peace does not run through the United Nations, but through strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, bolstering Israel's security, and direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. A U.N. Security Council resolution that predetermines a final-status issue will severely harm the prospects for a lasting peace. This is longstanding U.S. policy, and I call upon President Obama to hold fast to it, as he did when he vetoed a similar Security Council resolution in 2011.""In doing so, President Obama will also be upholding a tradition of deference to an incoming president on major issues. The first President Bush consulted with then President-elect Clinton prior to sending troops to Somalia. And President George W. Bush-at President Obama's urging-provided short-term bridge loans to the U.S. auto industry to give him time to assess the crisis after his inauguration. On an issue as consequential as the long-term security of our ally Israel, President Obama should consult with President-elect Trump and respect his expressed position.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=563,Cotton Congratulates Russellville High School Band on Selection to Perform in Presidential Inauguration Parade,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement congratulating the Russellville High School Band after they were selected to perform at the presidential inauguration parade on January 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C.:""Congratulations to the Russellville High School Band on their selection to perform in President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural parade this January. The inaugurations of our presidents represent democracy at its best and I'm so proud that Russellville High School will be there to represent Arkansas on the international stage. Their selection is no doubt a reflection of countless hours of practice and hard work on behalf of band members and the band director, Dewayne Dove. I know they will make Arkansas proud and I look forward to watching the Russellville High School Band perform in Washington next month.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=564,Cotton Statement on Bipartisan HPSCI Report on Edward Snowden,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the release and declassification of a bipartisan HPSCI report on the traitorous activities of Edward Snowden.""I applaud my HPSCI colleagues for their work on this important topic. Their report makes clear that Edward Snowden was an egotistical serial liar and traitor whose unauthorized disclosures of classified information have jeopardized the safety of Americans and allies around the world. Snowden's close and continual contact with Russian intelligence services speak volumes. He deserves to rot in jail for the rest of his life."" Note: Highlights of the HPSCI Report can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-statement-terrorism-finance-task-force-report,Hill Statement on Terrorism Finance Task Force Report,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, after The House Financial Services Committee’s Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing released the report from its 12-month investigation into terror finance, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement:. ""Over the past two years, I have been working with the other members of the task force finding ways to cut funding to the terrorist organizations that want to harm America and our strategic allies across the globe. This report highlights much of that work, including how terror groups receive funding and solutions to eliminate many of these dangerous threats. I look forward to continuing our efforts in the next Congress and reevaluating our relationships with known state sponsors of terror like Iran and Syria.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1297,Hill Statement on Terrorism Finance Task Force Report,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Statement on Terrorism Finance Task Force Report For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506 f t # e Washington, DC, December 20, 2016 Today, after The House Financial Services Committee's Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing released the report from its 12-month investigation into terror finance, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement:. ""Over the past two years, I have been working with the other members of the task force finding ways to cut funding to the terrorist organizations that want to harm America and our strategic allies across the globe. This report highlights much of that work, including how terror groups receive funding and solutions to eliminate many of these dangerous threats. I look forward to continuing our efforts in the next Congress and reevaluating our relationships with known state sponsors of terror like Iran and Syria."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/westerman-questions-hhs-about-job-corps-site,Westerman questions HHS about Job Corps site,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-District 4, said he had more questions than answers after speaking with government officials Monday morning about the possibility of the shuttered Ouachita Job Corps Center in Royal being used to house children who enter the country without parents or guardians. Westerman said officials he spoke with from the Department of Health and Human Services were unable to allay his concerns about the facility's potential use as a temporary shelter for minors apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security at U.S. borders without parents or other legal guardians in tow. ""One of the things they didn't know was who would be coming in under the HHS scenario that would use the center as a temporary shelter,"" Westerman said, explaining that he wasn't notified about HHS' intentions until Friday. ""I had a conference call this morning with folks in D.C. and quizzed them about several things. Continue reading...",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=559,Cotton Meets with Secretary of State Nominee Rex Tillerson,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement after meeting with Secretary of State nominee, Rex Tillerson: ""Rex Tillerson is one of the most distinguished business leaders in the world and he will bring a remarkable set of skills and experiences to the role of Secretary of State. Rex and I enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation about Russia, the Middle East, human rights, and many other geopolitical challenges and opportunities. Like Dick Cheney and Bob Gates, I'm confident that Rex will bring the same clear-eyed, hard-nosed approach to the interests of the American people as Secretary of State that he brought to the interests of ExxonMobil shareholders. I look forward to supporting his nomination.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=560,Cotton Meets with Secretary of the Treasury Nominee Steven Mnuchin,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement after meeting with Treasury Secretary nominee, Steven Mnuchin: ""Steven Mnuchin is prepared and ready to implement President-elect Trump's economic agenda. In our wide-ranging conversation, Steven and I discussed the urgent need to get our economy moving again for all Americans, especially those who work with their hands and on their feet, who haven't seen a pay raise in decades. We also discussed the Treasury Department's key role in helping community banks grow, enforcing sanctions, and disrupting terrorist finances. I look forward to supporting his nomination.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=561,Cotton Meets with Secretary of Transportation Nominee Elaine Chao,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement after meeting with Secretary of Transportation nominee, Elaine Chao: ""Elaine Chao will be an outstanding Secretary of Transportation. Over the past two years, Anna and I have gotten to know Elaine as a friend, benefitting from her kindness, experience, and common sense. She will bring these same qualities to bear for the American people. Elaine knows that a country that can build the Pentagon in 16 months shouldn't spend years to build a short highway or bridge. I'm grateful that Elaine once again answered the call to serve and I look forward to supporting her nomination.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arkansas-congressional-members-oppose-possible-refugee-shelter-royal,Arkansas Congressional Members Oppose Possible Refugee Shelter in Royal,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"ROYAL, Ark. - Congressional members from the Natural State came out against a possible refugee shelter the same day representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services toured the facility.  HHS is considering whether or not to transform the former Ouachita Job Corps Center in Royal into a temporary shelter for unaccompanied children, which means they have no lawful immigration status and no parent or legal guardian in the U.S. The animosity surrounding the change has traveled from Garland County to Washington D.C. Continue reading...",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/arkansas-delegation-potential-housing-unaccompanied-minors,Arkansas Delegation on Potential Housing of Unaccompanied Minors: “This is Irresponsible and Against the Wishes of Arkansans”,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"HOT SPRINGS – U.S. Sens. John Boozman, Tom Cotton, and Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement Monday (December 19) in response to the Department of Health and Human Service's notification that it could use the former Ouachita Job Corps Center in Royal, Arkansas, as a site to house unaccompanied minors in the United States illegally: ""The Department of Health and Human Services should not use the Ouachita facility to shelter unaccompanied illegal immigrant minors,"" they said. ""This is irresponsible and against the wishes of Arkansans who were not consulted about this decision. HHS is unable to provide basic information about who may reside at this facility, where these immigrants come from, or how long this shelter will last, and the potential risk to public safety is enormous. That is why we are calling on HHS to immediately halt any plans to use this facility as an immigration shelter. There are safer options for this facility that would be better for the community and Arkansas.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T21:09:43Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/arkansas-delegation-potential-housing-unaccompanied-minors-irresponsible,Arkansas Delegation on Potential Housing of Unaccompanied Minors: This is Irresponsible and Against the Wishes of Arkansans,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"HOT SPRINGS – U.S. Sens. John Boozman, Tom Cotton, and Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement Monday (December 19) in response to the Department of Health and Human Service’s notification that it could use the former Ouachita Job Corps Center in Royal, Arkansas, as a site to house unaccompanied minors in the United States illegally: “The Department of Health and Human Services should not use the Ouachita facility to shelter unaccompanied illegal immigrant minors,” they said. “This is irresponsible and against the wishes of Arkansans who were not consulted about this decision. HHS is unable to provide basic information about who may reside at this facility, where these immigrants come from, or how long this shelter will last, and the potential risk to public safety is enormous. That is why we are calling on HHS to immediately halt any plans to use this facility as an immigration shelter. There are safer options for this facility that would be better for the community and Arkansas.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398726,Womack Announces Winner of Second Annual AR-3 Congressional App Challenge,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Steve Womack,W000809,womack.house.gov,,,legacy,"Established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, the Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition, also known as the ‘Congressional App Challenge,’ is designed to engage student creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields.  This competition is part of a nationwide event that allows high school students from across the country to compete by creating and exhibiting their own software application, or ‘app,’ for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Hosted by Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), the Challenge was open to all high school students in Arkansas’s Third District.  From the 11 entries, the winner was selected by a panel judges from the community, including Jeff Amerine of Startup Junkie Consulting, Phyl Amerine of Startup Junkie Consulting, Jessica Boyd of Community Venture Foundation, and Jim Kane of Gemini Development. Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) hosted an award ceremony, where he announced that Caroline Gschwend, who is homeschooled in Rogers, won first place for her app titled “defendUS,” an educational game that explores American history “in a fun and exciting way.”  Caroline’s app will be displayed at a kiosk in the U.S. Capitol.  “The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for Third District high schoolers to showcase their incredible creativity and innovation, and I am proud of every student who participated in this year’s competition,” Womack said.  “My sincerest congratulations to Caroline Gschwend of Rogers for her winning app, ‘defendUS.’  It is clear Caroline has a bright future ahead of her, and I look forward to seeing her app on display in the Capitol!”  Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansas’s 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=0726507C-88F2-4C8A-AD37-864131800426,"Members of Arkansas Delegation on Potential Housing of Unaccompanied Minors: ""This is Irresponsible and Against the Wishes of Arkansans""",2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington-U.S. Sens. John Boozman, Tom Cotton, and Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement Monday (December 19) in response to the Department of Health and Human Service’s notification that it could use the former Ouachita Job Corps Center in Royal, Arkansas, as a site to house unaccompanied minors in the United States illegally: “The Department of Health and Human Services should not use the Ouachita facility to shelter unaccompanied illegal immigrant minors,” they said. “This is irresponsible and against the wishes of Arkansans who were not consulted about this decision. HHS is unable to provide basic information about who may reside at this facility, where these immigrants come from, or how long this shelter will last, and the potential risk to public safety is enormous. That is why we are calling on HHS to immediately halt any plans to use this facility as an immigration shelter. There are safer options for this facility that would that would be better for the community and Arkansas.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=558,"Cotton, Boozman, and Westerman Statement on Potential Housing of Unaccompanied Minors at Former Ouachita Job Corps Center",2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Cotton, John Boozman, and Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement in response to the Department of Health and Human Service's notification that it could use the former Ouachita Job Corps Center in Royal, Arkansas, as a site to house unaccompanied minors in the United States illegally: ""The Department of Health and Human Services should not use the Ouachita facility to shelter unaccompanied illegal immigrant minors. This is irresponsible and against the wishes of Arkansans who were not consulted about this decision. HHS is unable to provide basic information about who may reside at this facility, where these immigrants come from, or how long this shelter will last, and the potential risk to public safety is enormous. That is why we are calling on HHS to immediately halt any plans to use this facility as an immigration shelter. There are safer options for this facility that would be better for the community and Arkansas.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/ark-vietnam-war-veteran-surprised-purple-heart-bronze-star-next-mother,"Ark. Vietnam War veteran surprised with Purple Heart, Bronze Star",2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - An Arkansan who fought in the Vietnam war had the surprise of a lifetime on Thursday. Robert Sangalli, who served in the 101st Airborne Division as a radio operator, was given 7 medals which he earned during his service in the Army. Sangalli was given the Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart. He was awarded the Purple Heart while recovering, but was put back out into the field and never got it back until now. ""I'm just glad all veterans are being honored so much more than they used to be,"" Sangalli said. Sangalli also received three badges which were standard for the era, including the Combat Infantry badge, Expert Automatic Rifle badge, and Sharpshooter Rifle badge.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arkansas-bids-swell-go-see-trump-take-oath-office,Arkansas bids swell to go see Trump take oath of office,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- President-elect Donald Trump doesn't take the oath of office until Jan. 20, but Arkansans are already hurrying to grab seats, book flights and secure hotel rooms. 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/arkansas-vet-receives-purple-heart,Arkansas Vet Receives Purple Heart,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"LITTLE ROCK, Ark - A shadowbox full of medals and an Arkansas Veteran are in the same place for the first time since the Vietnam War. Congressman French Hill and Robert Sangalli's family surprised the Fore 101 first airborne radio man today.    Sangalli was awarded the Bronze Star for valor under fire among others. One medal that he never received was the Purple Heart. After he was wounded, Hills office was able to get that medal for Sangalli.    Like every selfless hero, Sangalli says its not about the medal and is glad that Vets are getting the attention they deserve.    ""I'm just glad all the veterans are being honored so much more than they used to be. "" said Sangalli.    ""I wasn't there but the ones I feel were most neglected are the Korean war veterans but I think are begining to gain a little momentum too ""   Sangalli says that after recouping from getting wounded, he headed back into the jungle to be with his unit and never thought about his medals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arkansas-veteran-gets-his-medals-after-40-years,Arkansas veteran gets his medals after 40 years,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Vietnam War medals have always been intangible things for Robert Sangalli -- something he seldom mentioned to his wife, Ramona. When his tour overseas ended, Sangalli -- who now lives in Little Rock -- returned stateside before the military could present him with them. They were destined to be forever forgotten, Sangalli thought. That is, until Thursday morning. 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/arkansas-vietnam-veteran-surprised-purple-heart-bronze-medal-decades-later,"Arkansas Vietnam veteran surprised with Purple Heart, Bronze Medal decades later",2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Almost fifty years after joining the army, a Vietnam veteran finally receives his purple heart. Bob Sangalli never thought he would receive awards for his service in Vietnam. But his family had other plans in store. ""They pulled a surprise on me,"" explains Sangalli. When the war came to an end, Bob chose to return to the US--instead of waiting for his medals to be prepared in Vietnam: ""[I've] been waiting on the medals since then."" He figured they were lost in the mail: ""I thought it was the post office."" Almost fifty years later, Bob's family drove him to Congressman French Hill's office. Bob's wife Ramona, and his son-in-law Aaron say, ""We told him his son-in-law was getting an award for a project ."" Instead Bob was surprised with nine awards for his service--among them a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Earned, ""just by being in Vietnam, receiving a wound, and carrying on with my duties, and surviving.'"" With his whole family at the ceremony, Bob's wife Ramona says the medals represent their family's appreciation: ""We certainly feel like what he did made a difference, even at the time he was in service, it wasn't a popular thing to do, but we all appreciate everything he went through."" Now those medals will hang in their home to commemorate that sacrifice.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=557,Cotton Meets with Secretary of Homeland Security Nominee General John Kelly,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 16, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement after meeting with Secretary of Homeland Security nominee, General John Kelly:""John Kelly is a great American, among the finest generals of his generation. I've had the pleasure of getting to know General Kelly over the last few years as a friend and advisor. President-elect Trump made an outstanding choice when he asked General Kelly to be Secretary of Homeland Security and I'm grateful General Kelly again answered the call of duty. Once confirmed, he will play a vital role in protecting our country against terrorism, drug and gang violence, and uncontrolled immigration. I look forward to supporting his nomination, and I thank him and his wife Karen again for their decades of service and sacrifices for our beloved country.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/french-hill-plan-action,FRENCH HILL: A plan of action,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Progress is vital to the future of any nation, especially one that is in constant competition to maintain its designation as the greatest in the world. For the last century, America has been the leader in global progress. Our space program produced the first lunar landing, and our pursuit of that endeavor birthed a generation of unthinkable and rapid technological advancement. Our scientists, doctors, and researchers have developed vaccines, cures, and treatments that have eradicated deadly diseases or turned them into minor afflictions. This is the mark of a great society. But a society that wants to remain great must always identify its weaknesses and create long-term solutions to move beyond any major roadblock. Tragically, one area where we have failed to achieve much progress over the past few decades is addressing our nation's mental health crisis. The last major mental health reform happened during the Kennedy administration, meaning 50 years of limited advancement in assuring quality access to mental health care for the millions of Americans suffering from mental illness. Too many Americans have seen someone in their own lives suffer from a debilitating mental illness. The true scope of this crisis is not just in the anecdotal stories told by those who have watched in horror as loved ones fail to get the help they need; the statistical data paint an even bleaker picture for how deeply this problem runs. One in five Americans struggle with some form of a mental illness. Ten million Americans suffer from a serious mental illness--four million of whom receive no treatment. Making the situation even more grim is that mental illness manifests at young enough ages where rehabilitation and treatment should be attainable. Our failure in addressing this problem has poisoned the lives of millions of people and robbed them of tools needed to overcome their afflictions and become productive members of society. In addition, those who suffer from untreated severe mental illness are increasingly more likely to carry out violent crimes. Instead of getting the help they need, so many people end up leading troubled lives, serving time in jail, or dead at their own hands. Local jails house 10 times more people with mental illness than do psychiatric hospitals. There are over 40,000 suicides annually (nearly 8,000 are our veterans). That is one almost every 12 minutes, and it is one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States. Two-thirds of gun deaths in this country are suicides. While there are no data to contextualize the percentage of mass shootings carried out by those who are mentally ill, we know that in some of the most horrifying mass shootings in recent American history--Tucson, Sandy Hook, Aurora--the perpetrators suffered from some form of mental illness. These are sobering statistics that should make us sick to our stomachs and that should activate change. That isn't representative of the America that put a man on the moon. That is not our shining city on a hill. This is a weakened version of the America we know. However, last week, as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, Congress repackaged our major mental health reform care bill that addresses many of the shortcomings in our mental health-care system. This bill, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, refocuses and retools mental health programs and creates a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary position to oversee and coordinate mental health programs and policies. It also addresses severe shortages in our mental health work force and treatment facilities, increasing the inpatient bed space to ensure patients have access to quality mental health care. This bill also aims to clarify privacy laws to ensure that health care professionals can communicate with caregivers of persons with serious mental illness when necessary. This bill is an important first step in reforming our outdated mental health-care system at the federal level, but states can also re-evaluate their civil commitment laws to ensure those in psychiatric crisis can get treatment. Most states require an individual to be an imminent danger to himself or others to be eligible for civil commitment--a very high standard to meet. A need-for-treatment standard can help those who are persistently disabled by their untreated mental illness. By recognizing additional standards--and different levels of commitment--states could help the severely mentally ill get treatment before reaching the point of imminent danger. Maintaining our status as the greatest nation in the world is dependent upon our ability to address the spate of mental illness in our country. Right now, our broken system is failing millions of Americans. But today, we have the blueprint for a plan to fix this problem. Correcting this national tragedy will be difficult, but a truly great nation will succeed no matter the obstacle. And we are a great nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/editorials?ContentRecord_id=63AC984F-F974-49A5-9FC7-12A5D56FC339,Bill rights a wrong done to combat-injured veterans,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"by U.S. Senator John Boozman Our nation’s veterans have served and sacrificed to defend our rights and freedoms and to keep us safe. They have faced incredible challenges, long periods of separation from family and friends, as well as physical and psychological injuries that can last a lifetime. Brandon Davis of Greenwood, Arkansas, is one such American hero who was injured in service to his country. Brandon was deployed to Iraq with the 39th Infantry Brigade of the Arkansas National Guard when his Humvee was hit by a roadside bomb. Brandon was separated from the service as a result of injuries he sustained during that event. He, like many others who were injured during the course of their service, was paid a lump-sum disability payment to help him as he moved into the next stage of his life. Congress had intended that these payments be tax-free so as to not penalize these veterans for their years of dedicated service. However, we learned that the Defense Department had improperly taxed some severance payments to these combat-injured veterans due to the limitations of the department’s automated payment system. This was an unjust error that needed to be corrected so these wounded warriors could receive the benefits the fully earned. I introduced the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016, which directs DOD to identify veterans who have been separated from service for combat-related injuries and received a severance payment that was improperly taxed by the federal government. It instructs DOD to determine how much the combat-wounded veterans are owed and allow veterans who have been improperly taxed to recover the withheld amounts.  As Congress neared the final days of the second session of the 114th Congress earlier this month, my colleagues and I were able to pass the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act. I am incredibly proud that Congress came together in a bipartisan way to recognize the importance of this issue and to help right a wrong inflicted on some of our combat-injured veterans. This legislation will directly impact thousands of veterans who found themselves in a situation where they were denied their full benefits through no fault of their own. Now, Brandon Davis and thousands of other veterans whose severance payments were improperly taxed have the opportunity to file amended tax returns that will help them recoup any payments that were withheld. This bill also places the onus on DOD to identify those veterans whose payments were wrongly taxed and to notify them of the error and the opportunity to recover that money. We must live up to the promises our country has made to those who have taken the oath to defend it. They have earned these benefits and I am committed to making sure that Brandon and all of our veterans receive what is owed to them, along with our undying gratitude and appreciation. Originally posted: http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/senator-bill-rights-a-wrong-done-to-combat-injured-veterans",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0EB1B2AC-413B-4CBC-82B4-1E006E585705,Boozman Highlights Deceased Conway WWII POW in 'Salute to Veterans',2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – WWII pilot Lieutenant Edwin Ledbetter, formerly of Conway, shared his memories of military service with U.S. Senator John Boozman’s office shortly before his death in October. Boozman recognizes Ledbetter’s military service in this edition of ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series honoring the military service of Arkansans. Ledbetter was born and raised in Conway. He was committed to serving his country even before the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. One year earlier he joined the Arkansas National Guard. “I lied about my age,” Ledbetter said. As a GI, he initially served with the Army infantry but transferred to the Army Air Corps. “I wanted all along to fly an airplane. It normally requires two years in college but I studied and took some exams and I qualified,” Ledbetter said. He learned to fly on several different aircraft during his ten months of flight training and served as an instructor before being deployed to Europe. In European Theater his mission was flying the B-17 heavy bomber known as the “Flying Fortress” and bombing factories in Germany. “The first mission was the only mission on which I saw a German fighter. They just flew through the formation,” Ledbetter said. On another mission the heater on the plane failed, causing ice to form on the windshield. The fourth mission on March 16, 1944 is one that he will always remember. Two of the engines failed, and the ten-member crew got on the deck to protect themselves from weapons on the grounds.  “We ran into some light flak and couldn’t make it so we crash landed,” Ledbetter said. “Fortunately some trees were clipped and that slowed us down otherwise the crash landing would have been more serious” Ledbetter said.  Two crewmembers were killed in the crash. Ledbetter sustained a dislocated shoulder, flesh wound on his head and a broken arm. He and the other surviving crew members were captured by German troops.  He spent nearly six months in recovery at a German-occupied hospital in Reims, France before being liberated by General George Patton’s Third Army. After he was discharged from the military, Ledbetter used his GI Bill benefits for his education, graduating from the University of California at Berkley and Harvard Law School.  He continued a career in public service as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State. In 1999, citizens in L’Huitre, France dedicated a monument to Ledbetter and the other crew members of the downed plane. Three years ago Ledbetter received the Legion of Honor medal, the highest decoration awarded by France. “Edwin Ledbetter is an American hero whose service and sacrifice shaped the future of the world. His dedication to defending the world against tyranny is a testament to the Greatest Generation. I am grateful for his service to our county and honored to share his memories of his wartime experiences,” Boozman said. Boozman will submit Ledbetter’s entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=556,Cotton's Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act is Signed Into Law,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act was signed into law by President Obama yesterday:""Yesterday, President Obama signed the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act into law, giving countless veterans across Arkansas and the United States expanded burial options through the VA. Burying a soldier-young or old-is never easy, but this law will ensure their families and loved ones can experience the comfort and closure of attending their funeral. This bill is an important first step toward fixing bureaucratic inefficiencies at the VA, but it is only the beginning. We must do more to ensure our veterans and their families receive the support and care they deserve. January will bring a new President and a new season of opportunity to fix the Department of Veterans Affairs. I will work tirelessly to make life better for Arkansas's veterans."" Background: Under current law, indigent veterans with no next-of-kin are eligible to reimbursement rates of $2,421 for caskets or $244 for urns when buried in a National Cemetery. However, if the survivors of the veteran need to take advantage of that benefit, the veteran is not eligible for burial in a state cemetery, even if that cemetery is geographically closer to the veteran's home or the homes of their loved ones. The Charles Duncan Veterans Memorial Act amends the Dignified Burial and other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (s. 3202) by expanding its scope to include state or tribal cemeteries for which the Department of the VA has provided a grant. The bill is named for Mr. Charles Duncan of Little Rock, Arkansas, who died last year. Due to financial hardship, Mr. Duncan's family had to rely on the VA for his casket and burial fees, but a small gap in the law meant he was only eligible for burial in Fort Smith, Arkansas, which is over 150 miles from his home. As a result, Mr. Duncan's adult daughter was unable to attend his funeral.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-statement-fed-interest-rate-hike,Hill Statement on Fed Interest Rate Hike,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, after the Federal Reserve announced its decision to raise interest rates, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the below statement: “Today’s decision by the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates for the first time in 2016—and just the second time since 2006—is a delayed move considering the increase in market interest rates over the past four months. The Federal Reserve needs to develop a more rules-based approach to monetary policy, such as that contained in the Financial Choice Act, to prevent ambiguity and unpredictability in future decisions.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1082,Hill Statement on Fed Interest Rate Hike,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Statement on Fed Interest Rate Hike For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506 f t # e Washington, DC, December 14, 2016 Today, after the Federal Reserve announced its decision to raise interest rates, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the below statement: Today's decision by the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates for the first time in 2016and just the second time since 2006is a delayed move considering the increase in market interest rates over the past four months. The Federal Reserve needs to develop a more rules-based approach to monetary policy, such as that contained in the Financial Choice Act, to preventambiguity and unpredictability in future decisions. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/editorials?ContentRecord_id=9A6519E1-ADE7-414E-A9E1-298D6D605EC0,Ensuring Military Readiness,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"by U.S. Senator John Boozman Arkansas has a proud history of supporting our military. From the brave men and women who serve to the companies in our state that contribute to our nation’s defense, as well as the military installations that are part of our communities, Arkansas will continue to play a vital role in our national security.  In December, Congress approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included modernizing the C-130 aircraft fleet. Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) is home to the C-130 training unit and this modernization ensures the mission at LRAFB will continue to support our defense.  Passage of NDAA is vital to ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to protect our national security. That’s only a first step. Congress must also do a better job of deciding how taxpayer dollars are spent so our military leaders can plan for the future. This begins with returning to regular order and passing individual appropriations bills.  For eight years, Congress has funded the government by passing continuing resolutions instead of approving the 12 appropriations bills. This eliminates our ability to rein in spending because it maintains current funding levels for inefficient programs. This chronic budget uncertainty makes it difficult on military planning and purchases.  In recent days, we’ve seen news reports of billions of dollars in wasteful spending by the Pentagon. The ongoing funding failures and the impact of using continuing resolutions as a regular part of the appropriations process contributes to the misuse of taxpayer dollars.  As a leader of the Senate Air Force Caucus, I recently met with General David Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He discussed the trouble continuing resolutions create for our military’s preparation efforts. Enduring budget uncertainties makes it difficult for the military to plan and inevitably leads to inefficient spending.   I am concerned about the adverse impact this has on military readiness. The most basic responsibility of Congress is to determine how we spend hard-earned taxpayer dollars. This is a responsibility that my colleagues and I on the Senate Appropriations Committee take seriously.  Debating and passing these annual bills provides accountability. It’s an important part of setting priorities, making choices and reducing waste. This year the committee passed all of the appropriations bills. Unfortunately Senate Democrats prevented my colleagues and me from considering most of these bills on the Senate floor.  The recent trend of continuing resolutions must stop. Approving appropriations bills would return the Senate to regular order and provide a framework for spending so the American people can see where their hard-earned money is going. I look forward to hitting the ground with my appropriations committee colleagues next Congress to accomplish this task. Originally posted: http://harrisondaily.com/opinion/u-s-senator-john-boozman-ensuring-military-readiness/article_4db65fbe-c170-11e6-ac1e-5fb25a50ac7a.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=7AE1ED9F-4805-43CA-BF74-7A068E9467B6,Ensuring Military Readiness,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Arkansas has a proud history of supporting our military. From the brave men and women who serve to the companies in our state that contribute to our nation’s defense, as well as the military installations that are part of our communities, Arkansas will continue to play a vital role in our national security. In December, Congress approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included modernizing the C-130 aircraft fleet. Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) is home to the C-130 training unit and this modernization ensures the mission at LRAFB will continue to support our defense. Passage of NDAA is vital to ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to protect our national security. That’s only a first step. Congress must also do a better job of deciding how taxpayer dollars are spent so our military leaders can plan for the future. This begins with returning to regular order and passing individual appropriations bills. For eight years, Congress has funded the government by passing continuing resolutions instead of approving the 12 appropriations bills. This eliminates our ability to rein in spending because it maintains current funding levels for inefficient programs. This chronic budget uncertainty makes it difficult on military planning and purchases.  In recent days, we’ve seen news reports of billions of dollars in wasteful spending by the Pentagon. The ongoing funding failures and the impact of using continuing resolutions as a regular part of the appropriations process contributes to the misuse of taxpayer dollars. As a leader of the Senate Air Force Caucus, I recently met with General David Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He discussed the trouble continuing resolutions create for our military’s preparation efforts. Enduring budget uncertainties makes it difficult for the military to plan and inevitably leads to inefficient spending.  I am concerned about the adverse impact this has on military readiness. The most basic responsibility of Congress is to determine how we spend hard-earned taxpayer dollars. This is a responsibility that my colleagues and I on the Senate Appropriations Committee take seriously. Debating and passing these annual bills provides accountability. It’s an important part of setting priorities, making choices and reducing waste. This year the committee passed all of the appropriations bills. Unfortunately Senate Democrats prevented my colleagues and me from considering most of these bills on the Senate floor.  The recent trend of continuing resolutions must stop. Approving appropriations bills would return the Senate to regular order and provide a framework for spending so the American people can see where their hard-earned money is going. I look forward to hitting the ground with my appropriations committee colleagues next Congress to accomplish this task.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DE0341F0-C596-4C29-8B26-E58D2AB80F20,Reserve Component Retirees to be Honored with Veteran Status,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate early Saturday approved legislation to improve services for our nation’s veterans which included a Boozman-authored provision to honor as veterans, National Guard and Reserve retirees who served honorably for a minimum of 20 years but do not meet the active duty service requirement to qualify them as veterans under existing law. Current law defines veterans as servicemen and women who have served on active duty, other than for training, for 180 consecutive days or more. Boozman’s language adds an honorary veteran status provision and allows these Guard and Reserve retirees to be recognized as veterans. Due to the fact that no additional benefits beyond the title of veteran are extended to these retirees, there is no cost associated with this legislation. Boozman worked with his colleagues on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to ensure bipartisan support for this legislation which has been stalled in the Senate for many years. “Men and women who have honorably served in defense of our nation earned the recognition of veteran status. After 20 years of service in our nation’s uniform, they deserve this honor,” Boozman, a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs said. “We would not be where we are today on veterans status for Guardsmen and Reservists without the tireless work of Senator Boozman,” said retired Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, the NGAUS president. “He was instrumental in getting the Senate to pass the legislation for the first time last year and has continued to carry the torch.”      “The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) congratulates the 114thCongress for passing H.R. 6416, The Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016. We are particularly pleased that the bill included Sec. 305 which grants honorary veteran status to our Guardsmen who served twenty years, but who did not meet the requisite requirements of time in Title 10 status during their career to earn veteran status—one of our association’s decade-long legislative resolutions and a topic near and dear to our members. On behalf of our membership, we wish to thank the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committee Members and Professional Staff for their help in resolving this issue. Now our members with twenty years of service can truly be recognized for their service and sacrifice for serving their country,” said Sergeant Major Frank Yoakum, U.S. Army (Retired), Executive Director, EANGUS.  The House of Representatives passed this legislation. It is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=555,Cotton Statement on the SSCI Investigation of Russian Active Measures,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 13, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the decision by Senate Majority Leader McConnell to pursue the investigation of Russian Active Measures in the U.S. Elections through the regular order: ""I echo Majority Leader McConnell's sentiments that the appropriate venue for the investigation of Russian attempts to influence the U.S. political process is through the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI). In fact, Russian behavior is a subject that the SSCI has been addressing for quite some time, and is an issue that Chairman Burr has already held multiple hearing and briefings on. There should be no doubt that the SSCI will continue to investigate this matter and propose recommendations and legislation, as it already has, to address the matter.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0F31ACEA-7476-4178-BC5D-2117F01288E1,Senate Approves Boozman-Authored Provisions to Benefit Arkansas in Water Resources Development Act,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act early Saturday. This legislation will strengthen our nation’s waterway infrastructure, provide clean water and drinking water assistance around the country and address agriculture water supply needs. The legislation includes several provisions authored by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) to benefit Arkansas. “This is an important water infrastructure bill that will deliver important water resources to Arkansans and provide Arkansas farmers and factories a reliable method to move their goods to market, creating more economic opportunities and jobs for the hardworking people of our state. I am pleased the Senate was able to pass this bill with strong bipartisan support,” Boozman, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee said. The legislation includes reforms to address our nation’s drinking water, sewer and agricultural water supply needs. It focuses on the concerns of rural areas that struggle to meet expensive regulatory requirements.  Boozman-authored provisions include: Improving the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) The United States faces a multi-hundred billion dollar shortfall in the need for water infrastructure investments, which includes drinking water, sewer and agricultural water supply projects. The federal government has provided funding to establish revolving loan grant programs — administered by the states — as well as resources such as the WIFIA. This program leverages small investments to make sure taxpayers get the most bang for the buck. In an effort to make the WIFIA program a viable option for critical agricultural water-supply projects in Arkansas, Boozman included language in the WRDA bill to reform the WIFIA program. The WIFIA program can only finance up to 49 percent of a project’s costs. The Boozman language clarifies that costs incurred and in-kind contributions made before the receipt of a WIFIA loan count toward the 51 percent of the project that must be financed by non-WIFIA dollars. This is a great first step to open up a new financing option to ensure that farmers have access to the water necessary to keep Arkansas agriculture strong.  Expanding the Mission of the Ouachita-Black Rivers System For decades, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has managed the Ouachita-Black Rivers System for the purpose of promoting navigation and shipping on the rivers. Under the Boozman-authored provision, the Corps will determine whether it makes sense to expand the project's purpose. This would improve water quality and make it easier to maintain a navigation channel in the river. Partnerships for Corps Parks Boozman’s provision restores an earlier practice of the Corps, by which user fees were reinvested through public-private partnerships to enhance operation, maintenance and management of recreation sites. For many years, the Corps used its authority to allow these community and non-profit partners to collect and reinvest recreation user fees. However, in 2013, the Corps released guidance disallowing this practice. Based on a legal review, the Corps determined that these partnerships were not allowed under the law. As a result, the Corps was forced to collect these fees without reinvesting the money at the local parks. Boozman’s provision will ensure that the Corps can once again form these partnerships with local communities and non-profits. These partnerships save money and help keep parks open and well-maintained. Providing Technical Assistance to Small Community Water Systems The most recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Drinking Needs Survey reflects a shortfall of $64 billion in drinking water infrastructure funding. Boozman’s provision will update existing EPA and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs to provide cost-saving information about innovative and alternate drinking water delivery systems including those supported by wells. It also requires that alternative drinking water supplies such as individual, shared and community wells be considered in applications for federal funding for drinking water systems serving 500 or fewer people. Protecting the Arkansas River 12-Foot Channel Project A previously passed law authored by then-Congressman Boozman, authorized a project to deepen the Arkansas River navigation channel to 12 feet. This would provide a 40 percent increase in the capacity of river barges to transport products for Arkansas farmers and factories. However, in recent years, the critical maintenance needs on the Arkansas River have consumed considerable funding to keep our locks and the existing river channel open. Also, funding for 12-foot channel construction is not currently available, because the money from the Inland Waterway Trust Fund is currently dedicated to the Olmsted Lock and Dam. As a result, the 12-foot channel project is at risk of automatic de-authorization. Boozman’s language in the WRDA bill will ensure that the 12-foot channel project authority will continue at least until after Olmsted is complete, which will free up funding for other inland waterways projects like the 12-foot channel.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AD7B0DD9-A57B-421E-9C6C-FD11B1D21393,Senate Passes Bill to End Taxation of Combat-Injured Veterans' Severance Payments,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation early Saturday to ensure that veterans who suffer service-ending combat-related injuries are not taxed on the severance payment they receive from the Department of Defense (DOD). The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation earlier in the week. Now the bill is headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 directs DOD to identify veterans who have been separated from service for combat-related injuries and received a severance payment that was improperly taxed by the federal government. It instructs DOD to determine how much the combat-wounded veterans are owed and allow veterans who have been improperly taxed to recover the withheld amounts. Under federal law, veterans who suffer combat-related injuries and who are separated from the military are not supposed to be taxed on the one-time lump sum disability severance payment they receive from DOD. Unfortunately, taxes on combat-related disability severance payments have nonetheless been withheld from qualifying veterans for a number of years due to the limitations of DOD’s automated payment system. Veterans are typically unaware that their benefits were improperly reduced as a result of DOD’s actions. U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced identical legislation in the Senate in March. “I’m pleased that the Senate passed this critical legislation to right a wrong for our veterans who were unfairly penalized for injuries they sustained while in service to our country. This will ensure that our nation’s wounded receive the benefits they earned,” Boozman, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee said. “It is unbelievable that Congress needed to act to clear up this issue. Severance pay for service members who suffered combat-related injuries should not be taxed under any circumstance,” said Warner, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “I am comforted by the fact that this bill now heads to the President, and soon the 700 disabled military veterans in Virginia will be able to recover the compensation they are owed for their courageous sacrifice.” “Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines risk their lives every day to protect our freedoms, our values and our republic. The revelation that there are thousands of veterans who did not receive their full disability severance pay is unacceptable. This legislation is a common-sense solution to ensure that these veterans who had their severance payment wrongfully taxed will receive every penny that they are rightfully owed. These veterans deserve no less for their service and sacrifice to our nation,” said Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC), the House sponsor of the bill. The Senate language was included as an amendment to the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2016, which passed the Senate Finance Committee in April. The problem of improper taxation of the severance payments to combat-injured veterans was originally identified by the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1980. NVLSP estimates that over 13,800 veterans may have been denied full severance pay as a result of wrongful taxation, including approximately 165 veterans in Arkansas and 720 veterans in Virginia.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://crawford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398478,Crawford Sends Trump Team Cuba Letter,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Rick Crawford,C001087,crawford.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) led a letter, along with more than a dozen of their colleagues from the Cuba Working Group, to President-elect Trump calling for the continued normalization of trade relations with Cuba and to empower the Cuban people. The Cuba Working Group was established to promote increased trade, travel and investment in Cuba, to open new markets, create jobs in both countries, promote human rights and improve the security posture of the United States.   “The recent death of Fidel Castro represents a dawn of a new era in Cuban leadership and the United States must use this time to help chart a new course for Cuba’s future,” said Emmer. “I look forward to working with President-elect Trump to continue our efforts in Congress to empower the Cuban people, facilitate economic reforms, promote the expansion of civil and religious liberties, and strengthen our regional and national security abroad.”   “Cuban families and small business owners are eager to accelerate economic and human rights reforms and America must continue to support them,” saidCastor. “The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Cuba and greater engagement will encourage Cuba to go farther and faster. Slamming the door shut at this point in time would be disastrous. Instead, we should meet the challenge of better diplomatic relations, economic opportunities for Cubans and Americans, expanded travel, and support for the dignity of the Cuban people.”   “I’ve seen the positive changes already taking place in Cuba’s economy and its people, change that Fidel’s recent passing will hasten,” said Crawford. “If the United States wants to prevent nations like China from dominating Cuba’s future, then we do need to consider ways to capitalize on those changes, for both national security and economic reasons. I strongly encourage the incoming administration to consider incrementally reforming our relationship with Cuba in a way that supports American businesses and aids the Cuban people.”   “Over the past two years, we have made tremendous progress in ending our counterproductive Cold War policies toward Cuba,” said Lee. “For the first time in half a century, we have the opportunity to tap into new markets and productively address the disagreements between our two nations. I urge President-Elect Trump to build on these reforms and help chart a new course forward for the U.S. and Cuba.”   This letter was signed by Ralph Abraham (R-LA), Justin Amash (R-MI), Donald Beyer (D-VA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Rick Crawford (R-AR),Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Sam Farr (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), James McGovern (D-MA),Rick Nolan (D-MN), Ted Poe (R-TX), Mark Sanford (R-SC), and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). Letter may be found here, and the text is below:   Dear President-Elect Trump,             Congratulations on your election victory.  As you and the Transition Team begin developing policy priorities for the next Administration, members of the bipartisan Cuba Working Group (CWG) strongly urge you to support the restoration of U.S. engagement with Cuba.   The CWG was founded on the belief that increasing trade, travel and investment in Cuba will not only open new markets and create jobs in both countries, but also promote human rights and better hemispheric relations as well as improve the security posture of the United States.              Americans support the easing of commercial restrictions in Cuba because it will result in increased jobs, economic growth and productivity gains for the United States economy.  In fact, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released a report earlier this year that found if U.S. restrictions on Cuba were lifted, U.S. exports of selected agricultural and manufactured goods could increase to a total of roughly $2.2 billion, up from a mere $180 million in 2015.  Policies that improve commercial relations could potentially create thousands of jobs here in the United States and open valuable new markets for our exports. The restrictions the U.S. government imposes on American business activity in Cuba have not only stymied America’s economic potential, they have provided the repressive Cuban regime with an excuse on which to place blame for their own economic woes.  Additionally, there is little credible evidence that sanctions have improved the human rights situation in Cuba, a top priority of the CWG.               The recent death of Fidel Castro represents a dawn of a new era in Cuban leadership and America must use this opportunity to help chart a new course for Cuba’s future.  We believe America’s greatest ambassadors - the American people and the U.S. private sector – will always be the most effective conduit for the spread of American influence. Continued engagement by our citizens and businesses will help to empower the Cuban people, facilitate economic reforms, and promote the expansion of civil and religious liberties.              Finally, improving our relationship with Cuba would also align the U.S. government with the will of the American people and improve our standing with our regional allies.  Recent polling from the Pew Research Center show that 73 percent of voters supported renewed diplomatic relations and 72 percent support ending the embargo. In addition, a recent poll out of Florida International University showed that 63 percent of Cuban-Americans in Miami want to see the embargo lifted.  Global support for the normalization of our relations also remains overwhelming, particularly among some of our most important economic and security partners in Latin America.               We urge you to support the continued expansion of U.S. engagement with Cuba and allow our private sector to help shape a post-Fidel Cuba. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you on policies that empower the Cuban people and create greater opportunity for Americans.           We appreciate your consideration of our request.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-sends-trump-team-cuba-letter,Crawford Sends Trump Team Cuba Letter,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) led a letter, along with more than a dozen of their colleagues from the Cuba Working Group, to President-elect Trump calling for the continued normalization of trade relations with Cuba and to empower the Cuban people. The Cuba Working Group was established to promote increased trade, travel and investment in Cuba, to open new markets, create jobs in both countries, promote human rights and improve the security posture of the United States. ""The recent death of Fidel Castro represents a dawn of a new era in Cuban leadership and the United States must use this time to help chart a new course for Cuba's future,"" said Emmer. ""I look forward to working with President-elect Trump to continue our efforts in Congress to empower the Cuban people, facilitate economic reforms, promote the expansion of civil and religious liberties, and strengthen our regional and national security abroad."" ""Cuban families and small business owners are eager to accelerate economic and human rights reforms and America must continue to support them,"" saidCastor. ""The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Cuba and greater engagement will encourage Cuba to go farther and faster. Slamming the door shut at this point in time would be disastrous. Instead, we should meet the challenge of better diplomatic relations, economic opportunities for Cubans and Americans, expanded travel, and support for the dignity of the Cuban people."" ""I've seen the positive changes already taking place in Cuba's economy and its people, change that Fidel's recent passing will hasten,"" said Crawford. ""If the United States wants to prevent nations like China from dominating Cuba's future, then we do need to consider ways to capitalize on those changes, for both national security and economic reasons. I strongly encourage the incoming administration to consider incrementally reforming our relationship with Cuba in a way that supports American businesses and aids the Cuban people."" ""Over the past two years, we have made tremendous progress in ending our counterproductive Cold War policies toward Cuba,"" said Lee. ""For the first time in half a century, we have the opportunity to tap into new markets and productively address the disagreements between our two nations. I urge President-Elect Trump to build on these reforms and help chart a new course forward for the U.S. and Cuba."" This letter was signed by Ralph Abraham (R-LA), Justin Amash (R-MI), Donald Beyer (D-VA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Rick Crawford (R-AR),Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Sam Farr (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), James McGovern (D-MA),Rick Nolan (D-MN), Ted Poe (R-TX), Mark Sanford (R-SC), and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). Letter may be found here, and the text is below: Dear President-Elect Trump, Congratulations on your election victory. As you and the Transition Team begin developing policy priorities for the next Administration, members of the bipartisan Cuba Working Group (CWG) strongly urge you to support the restoration of U.S. engagement with Cuba. The CWG was founded on the belief that increasing trade, travel and investment in Cuba will not only open new markets and create jobs in both countries, but also promote human rights and better hemispheric relations as well as improve the security posture of the United States. Americans support the easing of commercial restrictions in Cuba because it will result in increased jobs, economic growth and productivity gains for the United States economy. In fact, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released a report earlier this year that found if U.S. restrictions on Cuba were lifted, U.S. exports of selected agricultural and manufactured goods could increase to a total of roughly $2.2 billion, up from a mere $180 million in 2015. Policies that improve commercial relations could potentially create thousands of jobs here in the United States and open valuable new markets for our exports. The restrictions the U.S. government imposes on American business activity in Cuba have not only stymied America's economic potential, they have provided the repressive Cuban regime with an excuse on which to place blame for their own economic woes. Additionally, there is little credible evidence that sanctions have improved the human rights situation in Cuba, a top priority of the CWG. The recent death of Fidel Castro represents a dawn of a new era in Cuban leadership and America must use this opportunity to help chart a new course for Cuba's future. We believe America's greatest ambassadors - the American people and the U.S. private sector – will always be the most effective conduit for the spread of American influence. Continued engagement by our citizens and businesses will help to empower the Cuban people, facilitate economic reforms, and promote the expansion of civil and religious liberties. Finally, improving our relationship with Cuba would also align the U.S. government with the will of the American people and improve our standing with our regional allies. Recent polling from the Pew Research Center show that 73 percent of voters supported renewed diplomatic relations and 72 percent support ending the embargo. In addition, a recent poll out of Florida International University showed that 63 percent of Cuban-Americans in Miami want to see the embargo lifted. Global support for the normalization of our relations also remains overwhelming, particularly among some of our most important economic and security partners in Latin America. We urge you to support the continued expansion of U.S. engagement with Cuba and allow our private sector to help shape a post-Fidel Cuba. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you on policies that empower the Cuban people and create greater opportunity for Americans. We appreciate your consideration of our request. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T21:09:43Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/dont-screw-it,Don't screw it up,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"The state's Republicans had a lot to celebrate at their annual convention, for the party picked up nine seats in Arkansas' 100-member House of Representatives in last month's election and two more seats in the 35-member state Senate. If everything isn't coming up roses, then at least it's daffodil time for the Grand Old Brand New Party. And yet only one refrain was repeated over and over again at this Republican conclave: ""Don't screw it up!"" For the party can be its own most effective saboteur, waxing complacent as the loyal opposition prepares for the next pivotal election. How? By fully absorbing the painful lessons of this one and preparing a new approach that might lead to victory down the bumpy road ahead. Defeat, however devastating, can provide a teaching moment, even a couple of teaching years. But who ever learned from success? Click here to read more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-statement-continuing-resolution,Hill Statement on Continuing Resolution,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, after the House passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the Government through April 28, 2017, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement: “Although I am generally opposed to funding the government through a Continuing Resolution, I agree that it is important to give the Trump Administration and the next Congress a clean slate when determining what our spending priorities will be. However, moving appropriations bills through regular order and reigning in unchecked spending must be one of our top priorities next Congress. Only then do we fully exercise our Article 1 ‘power of the purse, ’and I am committed to working with my colleagues to accomplish this important task.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1299,Hill Statement on Continuing Resolution,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Statement on Continuing Resolution For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506 f t # e Washington, DC, December 8, 2016 Today, after the House passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the Government through April 28, 2017, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement: Although I am generally opposed to funding the government through a Continuing Resolution, I agree that it is important to give the Trump Administration and the next Congress a clean slate when determining what our spending priorities will be. However, moving appropriations bills through regular order and reigning in unchecked spending must be one of our top priorities next Congress. Only then do we fully exercise our Article 1 power of the purse, 'and I am committed to working with my colleagues to accomplish this important task. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=142637A0-0D33-4A55-BDA9-BB669E576BB0,Boozman Votes to Increase Troop Pay & Protect Military's Basic Housing Allowance in Defense Authorization,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman applauded passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a critical authorization bill that supports our nation’s troops, their families and our military installations. “This bill is vital to ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to protect our national security,” Boozman said. “Through extensive bipartisan negotiations, Congress was able to pass this bill that paves the way for us to rebuild and modernize our military under the next administration, supports our allies amid growing threats and authorizes the largest pay raise for service members in six years. I encourage the President to quickly sign this bill into law.” Boozman also pointed to a big win in the final bill for dual-service military families and single service members living together who were facing drastic reductions in the housing allowance in the previous version of this bill. Boozman led efforts to encourage Senate and House Armed Services Committee leadership to strip this provision from the final bill as it would have deprived these service members of their earned benefits.“The proposal to eliminate these earned benefits would be unfair for many of our men and women in uniform who rely on housing assistance to make financial ends meet. I’m pleased the final bill excluded this ill-advised plan,” Boozman said. In addition to creating significant financial hardship for many service members and their families, the provisions in the earlier Senate legislation would have brought about costly, new administrative burdens and unintended consequences to the military services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1737D73E-B236-4831-94B5-3C08FF258177,Senate Air Force Caucus Members Discuss Priorities with Senior Members of Air Force,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Members of the Senate Air Force Caucus met with U.S. Air Force leaders at the caucus' biannual breakfast in Washington to discuss upcoming priorities and challenges of the Air Force. Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Goldfein; Vice Chief General Steven Wilson and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody were among the senior Air Force leaders at the breakfast. The session afforded Members the opportunity to talk about a wide range of topics, from modernization and manning issues to the future of cyber operations and budgetary challenges.   “National security must be a top priority. To ensure our Air Force personnel have the resources needed to accomplish their missions Congress and the Air Force must maintain an open dialogue. I’m proud to be a leader of the Senate Air Force Caucus and serve as a voice for the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform and protect us every day,” Senator John Boozman said. “Our men and women in uniform work hard to protect our country and keep American families safe, and I’m proud to work with the Senate Air Force Caucus to support them,” Senator Heidi Heitkamp said. “In the U.S. Senate, I’ve pushed for tough, smart national security strategies to strengthen Air Force bases in North Dakota and beyond. Airmen and women make valuable contributions to our communities each day in addition to their lasting contributions to our national security.” “Our Air Force is second to none, owing to strong leadership and the dedication of the men and women who wear the uniform,” said Senator John Hoeven. “I’m proud to co-chair the Senate Air Force Caucus and help build a strong relationship between the Senate and Air Force leaders.  This is essential to ensure we have a modern, technologically superior Air Force now and into the future.” “Our Air Force has been engaged in combat operations for over 25 years, the average age of our aircraft is at an all-time high, readiness rates are at all-time lows, and costs to sustain legacy aircraft are increasing,” Senator Jim Inhofe said. “Our Air Force has suffered through eight years of budget, procurement, development and personnel cuts.  It is time to grow, rebuild and modernize our Air Force and I look forward to working with my fellow Senators on this caucus and the United States Air Force to achieve these goals.” “I thank Air Force leaders for taking time out of their day to discuss steps we can take to make sure our Air Force has every tool it needs to be successful,” said Senator Mike Rounds. “From critical missions being conducted at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to important aerospace research being done to assure U.S. air superiority, the Air Force plays an important role in our long-term defense strategy. As a member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee and the Senate Air Force Caucus, I remain committed to fully supporting our Air Force.”   ""Our Air Force plays a unique and unparalleled role in ensuring our national security,” Senator Jon Tester said. “The Airmen at Malmstrom and around the world ensure our freedoms are protected and our families are safe. I am proud to co-chair the Air Force Caucus, which helps ensure these brave men and women have the resources and support they need to keep this country and its citizens safe.” U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Jon Tester (D-MT) are leaders of the Senate Air Force Caucus. The bipartisan group includes 49 members and oversees issues impacting the U.S. Air Force. The caucus sponsors specialized briefings, base visits and outreach opportunities with Air Force stakeholders throughout the year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=553,Cotton Applauds Senate Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 8, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement applauding Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2017:""Today the Senate passed a critical defense funding bill that will ensure the United States military remains the best fighting force in the world. And it will provide our troops with the best training, equipment and leadership in the world.""In addition to drafting a portion of this bill in my role as Chairman of the Air Land Subcommittee, I'm pleased the bill also contains several policy initiatives I authored. First, it reaffirms current restrictions on both transferring detainees from Guantanamo Bay and closing the facility. It also bolsters U.S. missile defenses, which keep Americans safe from an Iranian or North Korean long range missile attack and helps America's Airborne troops by filling critical vehicle shortfall. Finally, it honors America's Old Guard by authorizing a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Celebration.""This bill is important first step toward reversing the dangerous cuts to our military's budget over the last eight years. But we must do more, and I will take action in the new Congress to ensure America's warfighters train and fight with the best.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=554,Cotton Seeking Spring Internship Applications for State Offices,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 8, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C. -Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) announced today he is seeking spring interns in his state offices in Little Rock and Springdale. Internships will be offered in two sessions: January 17, 2017-March 10, 2017 and March 13, 2017-April 28, 2017. Interns will have the opportunity to experience the daily operations of Senator Cotton's office. 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 vanessa_moody@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/us-sen-boozman-wants-answers-pentagon-waste-us-rep-hill-says-congress,"U.S. Sen. Boozman wants answers in Pentagon waste, U.S. Rep. Hill says Congress is partly to blame",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., hopes to learn more Thursday about allegations of significant financial waste at the Pentagon, and U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, said Congress must take part of the blame for “blocking even modest attempts to reform” the Department of Defense. The Washington Post first published the story about a report identifying $125 billion in wasted money related to numerous inefficiencies at the Pentagon. Pentagon officials also are accused of burying the report to avoid giving Congress a reason to reduce the defense budget. The report, produced by the Defense Business Board, a panel of corporate executives supported by consultants from McKinsey and Company, suggested the Pentagon could save $125 billion over five years if it “would have streamlined the bureaucracy through attrition and early retirements, curtailed high-priced contractors and made better use of information technology.” The report also showed that the Department of Defense was paying 1.014 million contractors, civilians and other workers to support 1.3 million troops. Through a statement to Talk Business & Politics from his office, Boozman said he plans to talk to Air Force leadership about findings in the report. “I am committed to ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to accomplish their missions and protect our country. The Pentagon must do its part by eliminating waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars intended to safeguard our troops. On Thursday I intend to discuss this issue with Air Force leaders and my Senate colleagues at the Senate Air Force Caucus breakfast to understand this story further and determine what needs to be done prevent any abuse of taxpayer money.” U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., a frequent advocate for more defense spending, was unable to comment because he was with his wife who was in labor. Hill, who represents Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District in central Arkansas, on Wednesday (Dec. 7) issued his monthly “Golden Fleece” award to the Pentagon, but also blamed Congressional interference for some of the problem. “We are all too often to blame for blocking even modest attempts to reform the workforce needs at DoD with local, parochial concerns getting in the way of the bigger picture,” Hill said in a statement. “I saw this firsthand last year when a plan to consolidate our Air Force C-130J planes for effectiveness and efficiency was defeated. Previously, U.S. Air Force officials had highlighted the transfer of 10 C-130J aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base to Little Rock Air Force Base as a critical cost saving initiative, along with other force structure changes, of $922 million, across the future years defense plan (FYDP), a five-year plan, for savings.” Continuing, Hill noted: “While I am giving the Golden Fleece Award to the Pentagon, there is no doubt that Congress can do more to address the pressing needs of our country and better allocate federal dollars and resources for the benefit our country and hardworking taxpayers.” Also on Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., sent a letter to Defense Secretary Ash Carter seeking answer to four questions related to the Defense Business Board report. • What actions, if any, are being taken to address the findings of the Defense Business Board? • Following the presentation of the Board’s findings, what directives or action items were made to implement the recommended cost savings and are those efforts still underway? What office is overseeing those efforts to ensure compliance? How are savings being calculated? • What statutory obstacles may exist that would require legislative fixes from Congress to achieve these savings? • Which of the Board’s findings and cost savings suggestions do you think should be included in the Department’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget request? “Then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen stated in 2010 that ‘the most significant threat to our national security is our debt.’ Since that time, Pentagon officials have come before Congress to scare off efforts to reduce unnecessary spending at the Department with nightmare scenarios including reduced combat readiness and cuts to military operations,” Flake noted in his letter. “The recent findings by the Defense Business Board that nearly a quarter of the Pentagon’s $580 billion budget is being spent on overhead and operations is, therefore, of both great concern and promise.” Because Secretary Carter is a member of the Obama Administration and does not report directly to Congress, it is uncertain when or if Flake’s question’s will be answered.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-gives-golden-fleece-pentagon,Hill Gives Golden Fleece to Pentagon,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – On Monday, The Washington Post published a report that Pentagon officials buried evidence of $125 billion in bureaucratic waste in 2015. Following the Post’s reporting, Congressman French Hill announced the Department of Defense (DoD) would receive this month’s Golden Fleece Award. The buried report identified $134 billion of the DoD’s $580 billion budget was spent on overhead and operations including human resources, accounting, and property management, and that DoD employed 1 million people in business operations compared to the 1.3 million active-duty troops serving our country. The report suggested offering early retirement, encouraging attrition, using fewer contractors, and making better use of information technology to save nearly $125 billion, but top DoD officials buried the report, expressing concerns that Congress would seek to cut its budget. The Post’s report also notes the intransigence of Congress. “We are all too often to blame for blocking even modest attempts to reform the workforce needs at DoD with local, parochial concerns getting in the way of the bigger picture,” said Hill. “I saw this firsthand last year when a plan to consolidate our Air Force C-130J planes for effectiveness and efficiency was defeated. Previously, U.S. Air Force officials had highlighted the transfer of 10 C-130J aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base to Little Rock Air Force Base as a critical cost saving initiative, along with other force structure changes, of $922 million, across the future years defense plan (FYDP), a five-year plan, for savings.” Last year’s National Defense Authorization Act included language to postpone the transfer of these aircraft, and due to Congressional pressures and the argument for a one-time savings of $24.3 million and a total estimated savings of $751 million over the FYDP, the Air Force rescinded its plan and maintained the more costly unit. U.S. Air Force officials had argued for years in favor of this transfer, stating that the move to LRAFB “would have integrated all three elements of the Total Force at a single location, eliminating the overhead personnel and logistics support required at a stand-alone unit and enabling formal and informal exchanges of personnel, equipment, and expertise.” “Despite calls from the Air Force to make this transfer, Congress’s meddling prevented this common-sense, cost-saving initiative,” said Hill. “While I am giving the Golden Fleece Award to the Pentagon, there is no doubt that Congress can do more to address the pressing needs of our country and better allocate federal dollars and resources for the benefit our country and hardworking taxpayers.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1282,Hill Gives Golden Fleece to Pentagon,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Monday, The Washington Post published a report that Pentagon officials buried evidence of $125 billion in bureaucratic waste in 2015. Following the Post's reporting, Congressman French Hill announced the Department of Defense (DoD) would receive this month's Golden Fleece Award. The buried report identified $134 billion of the DoD's $580 billion budget was spent on overhead and operations including human resources, accounting, and property management, and that DoD employed 1 million people in business operations compared to the 1.3 million active-duty troops serving our country. The report suggested offering early retirement, encouraging attrition, using fewer contractors, and making better use of information technology to save nearly $125 billion, but top DoD officials buried the report, expressing concerns that Congress would seek to cut its budget. The Post's report also notes the intransigence of Congress. We are all too often to blame for blocking even modest attempts to reform the workforce needs at DoD with local, parochial concerns getting in the way of the bigger picture, said Hill. I saw this firsthand last year when a plan to consolidate our Air Force C-130J planes for effectiveness and efficiency was defeated. Previously, U.S. Air Force officials had highlighted the transfer of 10 C-130J aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base to Little Rock Air Force Base as a critical cost saving initiative, along with other force structure changes, of $922 million, across the future years defense plan (FYDP), a five-year plan, for savings. Last year's National Defense Authorization Act included language to postpone the transfer of these aircraft, and due to Congressional pressures and the argument for a one-time savings of $24.3 million and a total estimated savings of $751 million over the FYDP, the Air Force rescinded its plan and maintained the more costly unit. U.S. Air Force officials had argued for years in favor of this transfer, stating that the move to LRAFB would have integrated all three elements of the Total Force at a single location, eliminating the overhead personnel and logistics support required at a stand-alone unit and enabling formal and informal exchanges of personnel, equipment, and expertise. Despite calls from the Air Force to make this transfer, Congress's meddling prevented this common-sense, cost-saving initiative, said Hill. While I am giving the Golden Fleece Award to the Pentagon, there is no doubt that Congress can do more to address the pressing needs of our country and better allocate federal dollars and resources for the benefit our country and hardworking taxpayers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-continuing-resolution,Westerman Statement on Continuing Resolution,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement upon passage of H.R. 2028, a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR): “Passage of today’s Continuing Resolution should not be a sign of business as usual, but instead shows the American people that we are preparing to work with President-Elect Trump to tackle a government that is too large and not working,” Westerman said. “The C.R. gives the Trump administration time to work with Congress to pass spending cuts and make meaningful reforms to tackle mandatory spending programs that are seeing explosive growth in costs. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming months on ways to cut spending and waste in the federal government.” The C.R. prevents a government shutdown and funds federal programs and services until April 28, 2017. It funds the government at the current budget cap level of $1.07 trillion. The cap has been in place since passage of the Budget Control Act of 2011.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T21:09:43Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-wiin-act-invests-infrastructure-fiscally-responsible-manner,Westerman on WIIN Act: “Invests in Infrastructure in a Fiscally-Responsible Manner”,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement upon passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act: “WIIN is an important bill for the people of Arkansas,” Westerman said. “It invests in water infrastructure in a fiscally-responsible manner. By passing the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, we are investing in projects like the feasibility study on the navigability of the Ouachita-Black River System and continued authorization for the Three Rivers Study. The WIIN Act benefits not only Arkansans, but all Americans through its innovative cost-sharing partnerships with non-federal sponsors that will enhance operation, maintenance, and management of recreation sites. I was proud to vote for this legislation and look forward to its impact in Arkansas.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T21:09:43Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=42EC905A-D607-40F2-AEDB-AC602C7CE29C,Rivercrest Elementary Students Visit with Senator Boozman,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Rivercrest Elementary School students visited U.S. Senator John Boozman’s Washington office from their classroom with the click of a mouse. The fifth graders talked with Boozman in the nation’s capital via Skype, an online video chat service. “I am very thankful and appreciative that Senator Boozman took time out of his busy schedule to visit with my students. We were so excited that our class was chosen for this Skype! We had a great unit centered around the 2016 Presidential Election where the students learned about the candidates and where they stood on issues, they filled out voter registration cards, and cast their votes in our mock election. We also learned about other political races, including Senator Boozman’s campaign. It was great that the students could connect that learning to a real-world experience. Technology allows us to travel beyond our walls and experience things that were once unrealistic and you don’t get that from a textbook. My kids will never forget their Skype with Senator Boozman,” Eva Griffin, Rivercrest fifth grade teacher, said. “It was a pleasure connecting with these young Arkansans and sharing with them about the work I do on their behalf in Washington. Having this opportunity to teach these fifth graders about public service is a great honor. These students are the future of our country. It’s never too early to inspire these future leaders to get involved in giving back to the community,” Boozman said. Students asked the senator a wide range of questions about his work as a U.S. Senator.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=87A0235B-DE7D-4809-9586-3BC2B7AB5450,Foundation for the Future- Computer Science,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Preparing students for 21st century careers starts with providing them with the tools and resources to learn skills needed in the modern workforce. In this interconnected digital age, computer science plays an important role.  Computer science is experiencing record growth. Students rank computer science among their favorite classes and advanced placement (AP) computer science is the fastest growing course in schools. Statewide efforts to empower students in this field are creating excitement and a path toward future success. Last year, the Arkansas legislature passed a law requiring all public high schools to offer at least one computer science class. This initiative provides Arkansas students an advantage in the modern labor market. The idea is to foster a technologically savvy workforce to help recruit businesses to our state and grow the economy. That begins with coding, the language of computers.  Arkansas is a national leader in computer coding thanks to Governor Asa Hutchinson’s leadership. During the past two school years he’s touted computer coding during a statewide tour to encourage students to learn coding, a skill vital to almost every industry. These efforts helped increase enrollment in computer science by 260 percent in one year.  I recently attended a computer science class to get a hands-on lesson in coding and hear from students about their experiences in the classroom and how it helps prepare them for life in the workforce.  Seeing the enthusiasm of young Arkansans as they create computer programs and learn a skill that will benefit them in their future was rewarding and a predictor of future success. There are fewer computer science graduates than a decade ago, but there is a growing need for these skills across all sectors of the economy. Computing jobs are the top source of new wages in our country and with 500,000 current jobs in computing, this skill is in high demand. To inspire an interest in computer science, we recognize December 5-11 as 2016 Computer Science Education Week. I’m committed to encouraging Arkansas students to pursue computer science and I’m hopeful that by working together we can continue to grow these important classes in schools across our state. Last year, I supported the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), legislation that passed Congress and was signed into law by the President that strengthens state and local control to improve student achievement. This law includes a provision that provides state and local districts more flexibility to fund computer science through a new block grant. As we promote computer science education we also must provide students access to computers. I’m working to close the digital divide in Arkansas as a participant in the Senate’s Computers for Schools program which donates computers no longer used in the Senate. This allows students to learn to code on more modern equipment. Helping young Arkansans develop their computer skills and connect them to technology with surplus equipment is a win for us all.  Having a solid foundation in computer science and coding will help our students prepare for the future as job opportunities in this field keep growing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=552,Arkansas Cheese Dip Wins in Blind Taste-Taste with Texas Queso,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 7, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 or Dylan Haney (501) 223-9081 Washington, D.C. - Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Arkansas cheese dip won out over Texas queso during a blind ""Taste Test"" among Republican Senators this afternoon:""We're happy our colleagues validated what we've known all along: Arkansas cheese dip is the best in the United States, and the world. Thank you to Heights Taco & Tamale for coming to Washington and providing the United States Senate with a little taste of Arkansas. Senator Cruz and Senator Cornyn: you're welcome to cross the state line for some real cheese dip anytime.""Background: Today Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) hosted a blind ""Taste Test"" featuring Arkansas Cheese Dip vs. Texas Queso during the weekly Steering Committee lunch. Their fellow Senators sampled each type and voted for their favorite.Earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal outlined Arkansas's claim to cheese dip, which sparked a twitter debate between Senator Cotton and Senator Cornyn. The result was a challenge to settle this dispute by way of a blind ""Taste Test"" among colleagues.Arkansas cheese dip was provided by the current World Cheese Dip Professional Division Champion, Heights Taco & Tamale Co., of Little Rock, Arkansas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bill-named-arkansas-veteran,House Passes Bill Named for Arkansas Veteran,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, the House passed S. 3076, the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016. S. 3076, named after Charles Duncan of Little Rock, Arkansas, and introduced earlier this year by Senator Tom Cotton (AR), would amend the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2012. Under current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a casket or urn for a deceased veteran whose families do not have the financial means to pay for a burial. However, families that utilize the burial benefits are eligible to be buried at national cemeteries only. At the time of his death last year, Charles Duncan’s family require assistance from VA to pay for his burial, and, under current law, he was buried at the closest national cemetery—Fort Smith, Arkansas—which is over 150 miles away from his hometown in Little Rock, Arkansas. S. 3076 would allow veterans in similar situations to be buried at a state or tribal cemetery if it is geographically closer to the veteran’s home.    Prior to passage of the bill, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) stated on the House Floor: “Mr. Speaker: I rise in support of S. 3076, the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act. “On Saturday, July 25, 2015, U.S. Navy veteran and Little Rock resident Charles Duncan passed away at the age of 66, leaving behind a daughter, three grandsons, three great-grandsons, and a brother and sister, along with many more family, friends, and loved ones. “Sadly, like too many of our veterans, Mr. Duncan was financially insolvent and could not afford the costs of his funeral. “Thankfully, he was eligible for essential VA benefits to cover these costs, however, these benefits required that he be buried at the national cemetery in Fort Smith, instead of close to his home and family in Little Rock. “By expanding the cemetery burial options offered by the VA to our veterans in need, we can provide families with the solace and peace they deserve. “I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and support the peaceful rest of the veterans we have lost.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1342,House Passes Bill Named for Arkansas Veteran,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House passed S. 3076, the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016. S. 3076, named after Charles Duncan of Little Rock, Arkansas, and introduced earlier this year by Senator Tom Cotton (AR), would amend the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012. Under current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a casket or urn for a deceased veteran whose families do not have the financial means to pay for a burial. However, families that utilize the burial benefits are eligible to be buried at national cemeteries only. At the time of his death last year, Charles Duncan's family require assistance from VA to pay for his burial, and, under current law, he was buried at the closest national cemeteryFort Smith, Arkansaswhich is over 150 miles away from his hometown in Little Rock, Arkansas. S. 3076 would allow veterans in similar situations to be buried at a state or tribal cemetery if it is geographically closer to the veteran's home. Prior to passage of the bill, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) stated on the House Floor: Mr. Speaker: I rise in support of S. 3076, the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act. On Saturday, July 25, 2015, U.S. Navy veteran and Little Rock resident Charles Duncan passed away at the age of 66, leaving behind a daughter, three grandsons, three great-grandsons, and a brother and sister, along with many more family, friends, and loved ones. Sadly, like too many of our veterans, Mr. Duncan was financially insolvent and could not afford the costs of his funeral. Thankfully, he was eligible for essential VA benefits to cover these costs, however, these benefits required that he be buried at the national cemetery in Fort Smith, instead of close to his home and family in Little Rock. By expanding the cemetery burial options offered by the VA to our veterans in need, we can provide families with the solace and peace they deserve. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and support the peaceful rest of the veterans we have lost. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/standing-veterans,Standing Up for Veterans,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Tuesday (December 6), I joined with my colleagues in the House in voting for a series of bills that would benefit the men and women who have served our nation in uniform. Our veterans sacrificed so much to ensure we could live in freedom and as a nation, we must take care of them. These bills focus on healthcare and a few other issues that impact veterans and those currently serving in uniform. A complete rundown of the bills passed Tuesday include (all descriptions courtesy of the House Republican Conference): H.R. 6394, the Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act: “Requires the Federal Communications Commission to submit to Congress a report on promoting broadband Internet access service for veterans.” H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act: “Makes a number of improvements to VA disability compensation, appeals, burial, education, vocational rehabilitation, small business, health care, and homeless programs.” H.R. 5399, the Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act: “Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that each VA physician is informed of the duty to report any ‘covered’ or unethical health care activity committed by another physician that the physician witnesses or otherwise discovers to the applicable state licensing authority within five days of occurrence.” H.R. 4150, the Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Medical Staffing Recruitment and Retention Act: “Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), upon written request, to modify the hours of employment for a full-time VA physician to be more than or less than 80 hours in a biweekly pay period if the total of such employee’s hours of employment in a calendar year does not exceed 2,080 hours (through work and/or use of leave/paid time off).” H.R. 4352, the Faster Care for Veterans Act: “Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a pilot program for veterans to self-schedule medical appointments online, in at least three Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs).” H.R. 5428, the Military Residency Choice Act: “Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to permit the spouse of a servicemember to claim the same state of residence as the servicemember for taxation and voting purposes, even if the spouse has not previously lived in that state.” S. 3076, the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016: “Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a casket or urn for a deceased veteran to be buried in a national veterans’ cemetery, state veterans’ cemetery, or tribal cemetery, if the deceased veteran does not have sufficient resources to cover to cost.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-marks-100-years-national-park-service,Westerman Marks 100 Years of National Park Service,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement Tuesday (December 6) upon passage of H.R. 4680, the National Park Service Centennial Act: “The National Parks Service has long preserved the most scenic and beautiful locales in America,” Westerman said. “In the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park has long been a top attraction and now serves as the home of my district headquarters. We are also the home of the Buffalo National River, our nation’s first ‘National River,’ established in 1972. As we recognize 100 years of the National Parks Service, I am proud to join my colleagues in the House in voting for H.R. 4680, which provides the service with new tools that will take it into another century of advocating for America’s natural, historic, and cultural resources.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T21:09:43Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6F5DD782-16FC-42D7-81FA-CD02771B4A39,Boozman Commends House Passage of Bill to End Taxation of Combat-Injured Veterans' Severance Payments; Continues Push for Senate Passage,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that mirrors a bill introduced by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mark Warner (D-VA) to ensure that veterans who suffer service-ending combat-related injuries are not taxed on the severance payment they receive from the Department of Defense (DOD).  The House bill, the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 introduced by Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC), will direct DOD to identify veterans who have been separated from service for combat-related injuries and received a severance payment that was improperly taxed by the federal government in the same manner that the Boozman-Warner bill (S.2712), introduced in the Senate in March, does. It instructs DOD to determine how much the combat-wounded veterans are owed and allow veterans who have been improperly taxed to recover the withheld amounts.  “I applaud the House’s action to move the ball forward on this issue. We introduced the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 to right a wrong at the Department of Defense. House passage of this bill puts us one step closer to ensuring that our nation’s wounded veterans receive the benefits they are rightfully due,” Boozman, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee said. Under federal law, veterans who suffer combat-related injuries and who are separated from the military are not supposed to be taxed on the one-time lump sum disability severance payment they receive from DOD. Unfortunately, taxes on combat-related disability severance payments have nonetheless been withheld from qualifying veterans for a number of years due to the limitations of DOD’s automated payment system. Veterans are typically unaware that their benefits were improperly reduced as a result of DOD’s actions. Boozman said that along with the House’s action, there has been movement on this issue in the Senate as well. Pointing to the addition of language from the bill as an amendment to the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2016, which passed the Senate Finance Committee in April, Boozman said there is bipartisan support for the effort in the Senate. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues to finish this effort. The fact that this is happening to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation is unjust and needs to be corrected,” Boozman said. The problem of improper taxation of the severance payments to combat-injured veterans was originally identified by the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1980. NVLSP estimates that over 13,800 veterans potentially have been denied full severance pay as a result of wrongful taxation, including 165 veterans in Arkansas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=80237EA2-9983-4651-9547-D24A5268B1DE,Air Force Honors Boozman with Distinguished Public Service Award,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James presented U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with the Secretary of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award, the Air Force’s highest public service award bestowed to private citizens. “I am honored to receive this award,” Boozman said. “My dad was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, so this branch has always held a special place in my heart. I am proud to support the Air Force and the men and women whose service and sacrifice make our country safer. I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide the Air Force with the resources it needs to advance its mission.” “Senator Boozman has exhibited extraordinary leadership and vision that has ensured America’s Air Force remained the pre-eminent air, space, and cyberspace force in the world,” Secretary James said. “His unwavering advocacy of the Air Force and support of the service’s priorities ensures the service will remain the world’s best Air Force well into the future."" The Secretary of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award was established to recognize private citizens who provide distinguished public service to the Air Force which translates into substantial contributions on the national level to the accomplishment of the Air Force mission. Boozman is the co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus which focuses on issues affecting the Air Force, and sponsors briefings, base visits and meetings between Air Force personnel and members of Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=550,Cotton Introduces Legislation to Protect Arkansas Catfish Farmers,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 6, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced the Safeguard Aquaculture Farmers Act, legislation that would restore the ability of Arkansas catfish farmers, as well as other aquaculture producers, to kill double-crested cormorants that attack their catfish crops during the winter months.""There are few crops more closely associated with Arkansas than catfish. Arkansas catfish farmers are legendary-and their contribution to our state economy cannot be overstated. Regrettably, double-crested cormorants (DCCs) who have begun to migrate south are poised to wreak havoc on Arkansas catfish stocks. The detrimental economic impact of DDCs on catfish producers cannot be overstated; many producers expect that much of their harvests won't survive the winter. And bureaucratic roadblocks and legal fights between agencies in Washington, D.C. have left our farmers powerless to protect their catfish. This legislation would restore farmer's rights to kill any double-crested cormorants that attack their catfish crop during the winter months,"" said Cotton. Background: In May of 2016, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia invalidated two depredation orders for double-crested cormorants in response to a lawsuit filed by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). The aquaculture facilities depredation order has been in place since 1998 to help protect aquaculture facilities east of the Mississippi, primarily catfish farms. The judge found that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by failing to update its environmental analysis from the previous renewal of the depredation orders. In addition, FWS has stated that they do not intend to issue individual depredation permits for double-crested cormorants that were not vacated under this court ruling. FWS is currently updating the necessary statistics in order to complete the environmental analysis necessary to restore the orders. Unfortunately, FWS has not completed this necessary update in a timely manner and as a result, the livelihoods of many catfish farmers is in jeopardy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=551,Cotton Statement on House Passage of the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 6, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement after the House unanimously passed the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act.""Tonight the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act is on it's way to the President's desk to be signed into law. Soon hundreds of veterans who honorably served our country will have access to expanded burial options from the VA-ensuring they can be laid to rest in the cemetery of their choice, surrounded by loved ones. I am grateful to my colleagues in the House and the Senate for their support of this important legislation. And I'm grateful to the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs for bringing this matter to my attention. Charles Duncan wasn't the first veteran in this position, but this change will help ensure that he is one of the last.""Background: Under current law, indigent veterans with no next-of-kin are eligible to reimbursement rates of $2,421 for caskets or $244 for urns when buried in a National Cemetery. However, if the survivors of the veteran need to take advantage of that benefit, the veteran is not eligible for burial in a state cemetery, even if that cemetery is geographically closer to the veteran's home or the homes of their loved ones. The Charles Duncan Veterans Memorial Act amends the Dignified Burial and other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (s. 3202) by expanding its scope to include state or tribal cemeteries for which the Department of the VA has provided a grant.The bill is named for Mr. Charles Duncan of Little Rock, Arkansas, who died last year. Due to financial hardship, Mr. Duncan's family had to rely on the VA for his casket and burial fees, but a small gap in the law meant he was only eligible for burial in Fort Smith, Arkansas, which is over 150 miles from his home. As a result, Mr. Duncan's adult daughter was unable to attend his funeral.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/fair-taxes-our-heroes,Fair Taxes for Our Heroes,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Monday (December 5), the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5015, the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016. This is one of many bills passed in recent weeks that address the needs of the men and women who have fought for our freedoms. H.R. 5015 allows veterans to receive a refund of income taxes improperly collected by the Defense Department on “certain disability severance payments,” according to the House Republican Conference. Veterans dating back to those with combat-related injuries paid after January 17, 1991, would be impacted under this bill. While it was wrong to withhold these taxes from veterans, I hope this bill returns to veterans what was rightfully theirs, and I was proud to cosponsor and support this common sense piece of legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=548,Cotton Statement on the Transfer of Guantanamo Bay Detainee Shawqi Awad Balzuhair,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 5, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the transfer of Shawqi Awad Balzuhair from Guantanamo Bay to Cape Verde: ""President Obama is spending his last days in office making America less safe by rushing to fulfill one final campaign promise and release hardened terrorists from Guantanamo Bay. Yesterday's transfer, and any others between now and January 20, 2017, illustrate that President Obama is more concerned with his own legacy than national security. The inmates remaining at Guantanamo are the worst of the worst and need to remain where they are so they cannot return to the battlefield and attack us once again. President Obama should listen to the will of the people and halt any further Guantanamo transfers.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=549,"Cotton, Colleagues Request President Obama Stop Issuing New Regulations",2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 5, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) joined Senator Cory Gardner and 21 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama requesting his Administration stop issuing non-emergency rules and regulations in the final weeks of his term. Cotton and his colleagues stressed to the President that the American people made it clear on November 8th that they expect regulatory relief. The letter reads in full: Dear Mr. President:We write to request your Administration cease issuing new, non-emergency rules and regulations given the recent election results of November 8. In a clear and direct repudiation of consistent regulatory overreach by federal agencies, the American people have, for the first time since 2007, handed control of both the executive and legislative branches of government to the same majority. It is our job now to determine the right balance between regulation and free market principles and make sure that our federal government no longer stands between Americans and financial success.Whether it is the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule unfairly burdening our farmers and ranchers, the anti-coal rules eliminating thousands of jobs and driving up household energy costs, or the Dodd-Frank rules denying our small businesses access to capital, federal agencies continue to produce reams of new regulations that hurt our job creators and cripple our economy. But this flawed approach to governance has been rejected by the people. Today, we have the opportunity to return to commonsense principles of regulation and curb unnecessary government interference in the private sector. In doing so, we will grow the economy, create jobs, and, above all, help the people who have been overlooked the past eight years. To this end, we respectfully request you honor the will of the American people and refrain from working on or issuing any new, non-emergency regulations while carrying out your remaining term in office. The letter was also signed by Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), James M. Inhofe (R-OK), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Thune (R-SD), Roger F. Wicker (R-MS), Michael B. Enzi (R-WY), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Ted Cruz (R-TX), David Perdue (R-GA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/state-gop-focuses-gains-unity,"State GOP focuses on gains, unity",2016-12-04,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Arkansas Republicans started their state committee meeting Saturday with applause for President-elect Donald Trump, but their main focus was on gains made for the party at the state and local level. During the meeting, officials preached unity among the surging number of Republicans in state and local office and told them, ""Don't screw it up."" In interviews, Doyle Webb, who was re-elected chairman of the state party Saturday, and Gov. Asa Hutchinson said more disagreement among party members is possible as their numbers increase. But both also stressed that debate is healthy. 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/hands-israel-un-republican-lawmakers-urge-obama,"Hands off Israel at UN, Republican lawmakers urge Obama",2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"(JNS.org) Republican members of the House of Representatives are pressing President Barack Obama to veto any forthcoming United Nations Security Council resolutions on Palestinian statehood. At a Capitol Hill press conference Nov. 30, U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) urged Obama to veto any U.N. resolution ""that unilaterally recognizes a Palestinian state, dictates steps or parameters to the parties, or issues condemnations against Israel."" U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) said Obama “should not act in any manner adversarial to Israel during his final weeks in office. There is no greater friend and reliable ally to the United States than Israel.”  The U.N. has become ""a platform for the world’s anti-Semites to espouse their vile hatred of Jews,” stated U.S. Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.). Franks said that if Obama supports a Palestinian statehood resolution at the U.N., Congress “is prepared to do everything within our Constitutional powers to stop him and reverse the damage.” U.S. Reps. French Hill (R-Ark.), Garret Graves (R-La.), and Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), as well as Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, also spoke at the press conference, which was organized by the Endowment for Middle East Truth think tank.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-votes-give-pay-raise-troops,Hill Votes to Give Pay Raise to Troops,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"“For the 55th straight year, Republicans and Democrats have come together to fund our military at the levels they need to complete their strategic missions around the globe. We also would be giving a much-deserved pay raise for our men and women in uniform, at a level even higher than the president initially requested. The NDAA would also authorize the modernization of our C-130 Hercules fleet, which is the backbone of our Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard airlifters at Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB). LRAFB has been a center for excellence for a long time, and modernizing the C-130s will guarantee these planes remain a critical part of our national security for years to come.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1390,Hill Votes to Give Pay Raise to Troops,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Votes to Give Pay Raise to Troops For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506 f t # e Washington, DC, December 2, 2016 For the 55th straight year, Republicans and Democrats have come together to fund our military at the levels they need to complete their strategic missions around the globe. We also would be giving a much-deserved pay raise for our men and women in uniform, at a level even higher than the president initially requested. The NDAA would also authorize the modernization of our C-130 Hercules fleet, which is the backbone of our Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard airlifters at Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB). LRAFB has been a center for excellence for a long time, and modernizing the C-130s will guarantee these planes remain a critical part of our national security for years to come. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-military-pay-raises,Westerman Votes for Military Pay Raises,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement upon passage of the Conference Report to accompany S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act: “I was proud to vote for the NDAA conference report,” Westerman said. “In addition to supporting military installations in Arkansas, this bill also provides our troops with a long overdue pay increase they have earned and deserve. I thank the men and women in uniform for their service and commit to continue supporting them in Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T21:09:43Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=547,Cotton Statement on President-elect Trump's phone call with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 2, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on President-elect Trump's phone call with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen: ""America's policy toward Taiwan is governed by the Taiwan Relations Act, under which we maintain close ties with Taiwan and support its democratic system. I commend President-elect Trump for his conversation with President Tsai Ing-wen, which reaffirms our commitment to the only democracy on Chinese soil. I have met with President Tsai twice and I'm confident she expressed to the president-elect the same desire for closer relations with the United States.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-votes-increase-access-credit-small-businesses-and-consumers,Hill Votes to Increase Access to Credit for Small Businesses and Consumers,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, the House passed H.R. 6392, the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016.  A previous version of the bipartisan bill passed the House Financial Services Committee in November of last year by a vote of 39-16. Under current law, a financial instruction is automatically designated as a systemically important financial institution (SIFI) if it has $50 billion in assets. Because of this arbitrary threshold, regional and large community banks are subject to the same level of regulation as complex, trillion-dollar banks, creating an unnecessary burden that affects consumer access to credit and services. This bill would remove the arbitrary SIFI threshold and replace it with an evaluative  process that takes into account factors other than size, including complexity and interconnectedness, to determine whether an institution poses a threat to U.S. economic stability. Hill said: “This bill today is not about dangerous agendas, greed or signing bonuses, or wholesale exemptions of regulation for 27 big banks – not at all. This bill is about using common sense and taking off the autopilot that’s in Dodd-Frank, which designates our SIFIs on size alone, and in fact, includes all the factors that should be considered for institutions that might present a systemic risk. “This is a bipartisan bill that has support on both sides of the aisle. Former Chairman [Barney Frank’s] comments have been read into the record, but how about [Federal Reserve Board Member] Dan Tarullo, who said: ‘Resolution planning and ­­­quite elaborate requirements of our supervisory stress do not seem to me to be necessary for banks between $50 billion and $100 billion.’ Tom Curry, our Comptroller of the Currency said: ‘The better approach is to use an asset figure as a first screen and then give discretion to supervisors based on risks in the business plan and operations.’ And Senator Sherrod Brown, certainly a supporter of Dodd-Frank said: ‘I do not agree that some banks over $50 billion should be regulated like Wall Street mega-banks.’ I support this bill, and I yield back.”     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1096,Hill Votes to Increase Access to Credit for Small Businesses and Consumers,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House passed H.R. 6392, the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016. A previous version of the bipartisan bill passed the House Financial Services Committee in November of last year by a vote of 39-16. Under current law, a financial instruction is automatically designated as a systemically important financial institution (SIFI) if it has $50 billion in assets. Because of this arbitrary threshold, regional and large community banks are subject to the same level of regulation as complex, trillion-dollar banks, creating an unnecessary burden that affects consumer access to credit and services. This bill would remove the arbitrary SIFI threshold and replace it with an evaluative process that takes into account factors other than size, including complexity and interconnectedness, to determine whether an institution poses a threat to U.S. economic stability. Hill said: This bill today is not about dangerous agendas, greed or signing bonuses, or wholesale exemptions of regulation for 27 big banks not at all. This bill is about using common sense and taking off the autopilot that's in Dodd-Frank, which designates our SIFIs on size alone, and in fact, includes all the factors that should be considered for institutions that might present a systemic risk. This is a bipartisan bill that has support on both sides of the aisle. Former Chairman [Barney Frank's] comments have been read into the record, but how about [Federal Reserve Board Member] Dan Tarullo, who said: Resolution planning and quite elaborate requirements of our supervisory stress do not seem to me to be necessary for banks between $50 billion and $100 billion.' Tom Curry, our Comptroller of the Currency said: The better approach is to use an asset figure as a first screen and then give discretion to supervisors based on risks in the business plan and operations.' And Senator Sherrod Brown, certainly a supporter of Dodd-Frank said: I do not agree that some banks over $50 billion should be regulated like Wall Street mega-banks.' I support this bill, and I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-systemic-risk-designation-improvement-act,Westerman Votes for Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement upon passage Thursday (December 1) of H.R. 6392, the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act: “The Dodd-Frank Act was intended to prevent another near-collapse of America’s financial system. Instead it has made it harder for banks to lend to consumers and harder for consumers like the residents of Arkansas to get a loan for a house, car, or their business,” Westerman said. “Much of the problem has been a result of the bill’s decision to treat most banks the same regardless of size. I voted Thursday for the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act because all banks are not created equal. This legislation would fix Dodd-Frank’s attempt to measure small banks by the same standards as trillion dollar banks. It is a fix that is right for our financial system and just the start of our efforts in the House to reverse eight years of the Obama Administration’s attempts to overregulate our nation’s economy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T21:09:43Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F52B7ADA-BEB8-4788-9515-30AD19D230E9,Boozman Votes to Preserve Sanctions on Iran,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) voted today to ensure that Iran would remain subject to sanctions if it continues its belligerent actions, supports terrorism or violates terms of the nuclear agreement it made with the Obama administration. “President Obama acquiesced to each and every demand from Tehran during the nuclear agreement negotiations and Iran has repaid the administration by stepping up efforts to acquire new weapons systems, destabilize the Middle East and advance its reputation as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism,” Boozman said. “With a new administration, there is renewed confidence that Iran’s belligerence will not be met with the same dangerous indifference shown by President Obama. Maintaining the existing sanctions structure sends a strong message that the U.S. will have tools at our disposal to deal with Iran’s transgressions should they continue.” Background The U.S. has had the ability to impose sanctions on Iran to block the regime from obtaining resources to support terrorism and develop weapons of mass destruction since the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act became law in 1996. The current authorization is set to expire at the end of this calendar year. President Obama’s signature on the bill passed today would extend the sanctions through 2026.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=546,Cotton Recognizes Arkansan of the Week: James Ross,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 1, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 or Dylan Haney (501) 223-9081 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) this week recognized James Ross, of Cotter, Arkansas, as ""Arkansan of the Week."" You can find the full text of Senator Cotton's recognition on the Senate Floor below. A video of Senator Cotton's remarks can be viewed here.Today, I would like to recognize James A. Ross, of Cotter, Arkansas as this week's ""Arkansan of the Week,"" for exemplifying what it means to be a great Arkansan.After serving in the United States Navy, Jim and his wife, Mary Lou, moved to Cotter in 1959 to raise their three boys because they saw Arkansas as a state that puts people first.Jim worked as a carpenter and played a role in the construction of many buildings in Cotter, Mountain Home, and other areas in North Central Arkansas. He worked tirelessly until his retirement to ensure the success and stability of his family, his church, and his community.Jim is a popular guy in Cotter and has always been an active member of the community. He served as the Cotter School Board secretary and worked to help build the current Cotter City Hall. Additionally, Jim has served as a Deacon for the First Baptist Church in Cotter for over forty years.Jim and Mary Lou have been married for 64 years. Jim now spends time enjoying his three children and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In fact, it was one of those grandkids, Cameron, who nominated him for Arkansan of the week.In his nomination Cameron wrote that ""Jim's faith drives his every move, and at 86-years-old, he still gives as much back to the community as he possibly can. On any given day you can find him driving around town waving at passersby, or working in his garden in front of his green and brown house with sunflowers painted on it.""Cameron went on to say that ""Jim Ross is a great Arkansan, not because he has done one major thing, but because he has done countless little things to further his city, his state, and his nation."" I couldn't agree more. Jim truly embodies what it means to be the Arkansan of the Week and we could all take a few lessons from him in terms of commitment to faith, family, and community.Jim and Mary Lou might have first come to Arkansas because they saw it as a state that puts people first, and it's people like Jim that make that reputation a reality. *** The ""Arkansan of the Week"" initiative is designed to honor Arkansans who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to their communities, and to the state.Senator Cotton will honor each ""Arkansan of the Week"" with a speech on the Senate Floor. If you know someone who has made an impact on their local community or Arkansas as a whole, Senator Cotton would like to recognize them! To nominate someone for ""Arkansan of the Week,"" send an email to nominations@cotton.senate.gov with the following: • Name of Nominee • Detailed description of why they should be recognized as ""Arkansan of the Week"" • Contact Info • Photos if Available",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=545,Cotton Statement on the Iran Sanctions Extension Act,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 1, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the Iran Sanctions Extension Act:""Today the Senate took action to extend authorities to sanction Iran, if and when Iran violates the terms of the nuclear agreement. These sanctions are critical to holding Iran accountable and it would be deeply irresponsible and dangerous if President Obama allowed them to expire. President Obama should stop bending to the unreasonable demands of the ayatollahs in Iran and sign this bill immediately.""However the extension of these sanctions is only the baseline of what we must do to place limits on Iran. I am eager to begin work in the new Congress with a new president to ramp up pressure on Iran to ensure it never obtains nuclear-weapons capability.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-historic-mental-health-and-21st-century-cures-bills,House Passes Historic Mental Health and 21st Century Cures Bills,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, the House passed H.Amdt. to S.Admt. to H.R. 34, 21st Century Cures Act, by a bipartisan vote of 392-26. The 21st Century Cures Act provides critical funding in a deficit-reducing manner to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and ensures that great research institutions like Little Rock’s University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital can sustain their search for cures to diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. “I lost my mother to cancer and my mother-in-law to Alzheimer’s and know first-hand the devastating affect these diseases can have on families,” said Congressman French Hill (AR-02). “Providing this funding to NIH will move us closer to finally curing these diseases and potentially saving millions of lives.” The 21st Century Cures Act also included provisions that would modernize clinical trials and streamline and improve the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) review of lifesaving medications. It also included the text of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016, which passed the House on July 6, 2016, by a vote of 422-2. The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act would refocus and retool mental health programs and create a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary position to oversee and coordinate mental health programs and policies. It also would address severe shortages in our mental health workforce and treatment facilities, increasing the inpatient bed space to ensure patients have access to quality mental health care. This bill also would improve mental health care for children undergoing serious emotional issues and adults struggling with mental illness through targeted authorizations and reauthorizations, including expanding Assisted Outpatient Treatment. “The mental health component of 21st Century Cures is a small but important first step in reforming our outdated mental health care system at the federal level,” said Hill. “But states should also reevaluate their civil commitment laws to ensure those in psychiatric crisis can get treatment.” Similar to the 21st Century Cures Act, the core provisions of H.R. 2646 all passed the House earlier through regular order and by overwhelmingly bipartisan majorities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1343,House Passes Historic Mental Health and 21st Century Cures Bills,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House passed H.Amdt. to S.Admt. to H.R. 34, 21st Century Cures Act, by a bipartisan vote of 392-26. The 21st Century Cures Act provides critical funding in a deficit-reducing manner to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and ensures that great research institutions like Little Rock's University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital can sustain their search for cures to diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. I lost my mother to cancer and my mother-in-law to Alzheimer's and know first-hand the devastating affect these diseases can have on families, said Congressman French Hill (AR-02). Providing this funding to NIH will move us closer to finally curing these diseases and potentially saving millions of lives. The 21st Century Cures Act also included provisions that would modernize clinical trials and streamline and improve the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) review of lifesaving medications. It also included the text of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016, which passed the House on July 6, 2016, by a vote of 422-2. The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act would refocus and retool mental health programs and create a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary position to oversee and coordinate mental health programs and policies. It also would address severe shortages in our mental health workforce and treatment facilities, increasing the inpatient bed space to ensure patients have access to quality mental health care. This bill also would improve mental health care for children undergoing serious emotional issues and adults struggling with mental illness through targeted authorizations and reauthorizations, including expanding Assisted Outpatient Treatment. The mental health component of 21st Century Cures is a small but important first step in reforming our outdated mental health care system at the federal level, said Hill. But states should also reevaluate their civil commitment laws to ensure those in psychiatric crisis can get treatment. Similar to the 21st Century Cures Act, the core provisions of H.R. 2646 all passed the House earlier through regular order and by overwhelmingly bipartisan majorities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/21st-century-cures-act-important-bill-people-arkansas-westerman-says,"21st Century Cures Act “An Important Bill for the People of Arkansas,” Westerman says",2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement upon passage Wednesday (November 30) of the 21st Century Cures Act: “The 21st Century Cures Act passed by the House Wednesday is an important bill for the people of Arkansas,” Westerman said. “We are familiar with diseases targeted by this bill – including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease – but tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease are a problem occurring throughout areas in Arkansas. This bill specifically targets tick-borne illnesses through research aimed at improvement in diagnosis, care, and prevention of these ailments. The 21st Century Cures Act does much more to improve the health of citizens across Arkansas and the United States and it does it in a fiscally responsible way through offsets in discretionary spending. I was proud to vote for this bill and stand for the citizens of Arkansas.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T21:07:19Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=C7E2DA0C-9BF3-4CC2-869E-C5D46F9AC945,Restoring Common Sense to the Regulatory Process,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The binding of the Federal Register has been bursting at the seams for the past eight years. As we enter the final month of the year, the official journal of federal agency rules, proposed rules and public notices is well over 81,000 pages – a record. For perspective, the 80,000-page mark has only been eclipsed three other times—2010, 2011 and 2015—all years President Obama was in office. As we approach the last weeks of the Obama administration, there is growing concern that this year’s final page count will explode with a flurry of last minute rules. “Midnight regulations”—as these are often called—are a lame duck president’s last chance to push agenda items through the regulatory process. This concern is valid based on the administration’s long track record of executive overreach. Take for example, the president’s attempt to grant amnesty to thousands of illegal immigrants through executive order. It was such a blatant abuse of executive power that the Supreme Court stepped in to block the administration from carrying it out. From labor to energy, health care to water quality, President Obama has consistently gone around Congress in an effort to legislate his agenda out of federal agency offices. This approach has been a trademark of his administration. In fact, when historians look back at President Obama’s legacy years from now, his abuse of the regulatory process should take center stage. His proclivity to regulate, in a large part, poisoned the well for any legitimate bipartisan attempts to resolve some of the nation’s most pressing issues.  While we can all find merits in regulations that improve the quality of life for all Americans, we entrust the government to make sensible regulations that do not encroach on our freedoms. Unfortunately, excessive regulations are not only encroaching on our freedoms, but they are preventing any economic recovery from taking hold. The regulatory atmosphere created by the Obama administration has been a wet blanket on economic growth. Overbearing, excessive regulations take farmers away from tending to their crops, slow the lines at the manufacturing plants and sap resources that could otherwise be put toward hiring more Americans. Someone who normally would be doing work that creates revenue is taken off task for a considerable amount of time to fill out paperwork. These days, it seems the only new employees a business is looking to hire are compliance officers—not employees that can help expand and grow their operation. The country will be watching the regulations generated by the Obama administration in its final weeks with a keen eye. As our election showed, Americans are eager for a change in the way Washington operates. A continuation of the Obama administration’s heavy-handed regulatory practices would run counter to what Americans are demanding. My colleagues in Congress and I stand ready to push back on potential “midnight regulations” that seek to continue the Obama administration’s failed agenda. We are committed to restoring common sense to the regulatory process and correct the mistakes caused by the Obama administration’s abuses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/local-man-earns-eagle-scout-award,Local man earns Eagle Scout award,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Boy Scout Troop 152 of Clinton, announces Eagle Court of Honor for Grant McMurry. Congressman James French Hill of Arkansas’s 2nd District will present McMurry his Eagle Scout award, December 3, 6 p.m. at Clinton First Assembly of God Church, 2466 Hwy. 65 North, Clinton. The Eagle Scout Badge is the highest youth award which may be earned by a member of the Boy Scouting program. Eagle Scout candidate Grant McMurry earned 27 merit badges. McMurray is the son of Frank and Suzanne McMurry. McMurray graduated from Clinton High School, with high honors, third in class. McMurray attended Boy’s State, where he served as Judge on the District Court of Appeals. McMurray is a freshman, currently attending Arkansas Tech in Russellville, majoring in Emergency Management. McMurray is a member of Arkansas Tech Band of distinction, and International Association of Emergency Managers, student chapter, at Arkansas Tech. McMurray has served as SPL, ASPL, Troop Guide, PL and is a brotherhood member of the OA. McMurray currently volunteers as a firefighter with two Fire Departments: Burnt Ridge and Dover. McMurray also serves as a member of Van Buren County Rescue Squad. McMurray is very actively involved in all aspects of the church. McMurray has played the drums, guitar and sang on the church’s Praise Team. McMurray currently serves as staff for youth at Russellville First Assembly of God. McMurray currently serves as ASM with Troop 152. From Scout literature: “The presentation of the Eagle Scout badge is an important and serious event, the climax and the goal for which a Scout works many years, an occasion for pride and joy, a time for serious contemplation. It is the culmination of efforts of the various leaders of this Scout. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest and most coveted rank in Scouting; the last major step in the advancement program. Fewer than four percent of all Scouts in the United States reach the Eagle Scout rank.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/another-step-prevention-human-trafficking,Another Step in the Prevention of Human Trafficking,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Since serving in the Arkansas House of Representatives, I have worked in a bipartisan effort to combat human trafficking in the Natural State. That effort has continued since becoming a member of Congress.  Immediately upon taking office in January 2015, I co-sponsored H.R. 159, the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act which was passed by Congress and signed by the president on January 27, 2015, in addition to several other bills aimed at stopping human trafficking in America. Today I voted for H.R. 5422, a bill to ensure funding for the National Human Trafficking Hotline. According to the Polaris Project, nearly 30,000 cases of human trafficking have been identified through the national hotline and the number keeps growing. That is why I will continue to fight human trafficking until there are no more victims. If you suspect human trafficking is happening near you, call the hotline at (888) 373-7888.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-has-obligation-provide-veterans-benefits-and-care-they-ve-earned,"U.S. Has Obligation to Provide Veterans the Benefits and Care Theyve Earned, Westerman says (Video)",2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement upon passage of seven veterans-related bills on Tuesday (November 29) in the U.S. House of Representatives: “The men and women who have served this nation in uniform have sacrificed in ways large and small,” Westerman said. “The United States has an obligation to provide veterans the benefits and care they’ve earned. That is why I joined with my House colleagues on the right and left today to support a series of bills that would ensure proper access to healthcare, education, and employment for our veterans. For far too long, our veterans have not received the benefits and care they deserve. These bills do not make up for the deficiencies in the V.A., but they are a step in the right direction for the heroes who fought for each of us.” The following is a list of veterans-related bills passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday (descriptions by the House Republican Conference): H.R. 5458 – Veterans TRICARE Choice Act: “Would allow certain individuals who are automatically eligible for TRICARE, which is the health benefits program of the Department of Defense, to elect to be temporarily ineligible for that benefit. Making that election would allow those individuals to contribute to health savings accounts (HSAs), which are tax-advantaged accounts used to pay health expenses. Under current law, individuals eligible for TRICARE and covered by a high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP) cannot make contributions to HSAs.” H.R. 4757 – To amend title 38, USC, to expand the eligibility for headstones, markers, and medallions furnished by the Secretary of VA for deceased individuals who were awarded the Medal of Honor: “Would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide special markers for the graves of those who have received the Medal of Honor and who are buried in private cemeteries. Under current law, the VA is prohibited from furnishing a distinctive headstone, marker, or medallion for Medal of Honor recipients who are buried in private cemeteries, if the grave is marked with a private headstone.” H.R. 5399 – Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act: “Would require physicians employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report unethical health care practices that take place at VA medical facilities to the appropriate state licensing authority within five days of occurrence. The bill also would require VA to inform physicians of their duty to report.” H.R. 5047 – Protecting Veterans’ Educational Choice Act: “Would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include information on articulation agreements when it provides educational and vocational counseling to veterans. Articulation agreements are arrangements between institutions of higher learning regarding how those institutions will grant academic credit for course work pursued at other institutions.” H.R. 5166 – WINGMAN Act: “Would enable congressional staff, which would include staff sometimes referred to as “caseworkers”, to have “read only” access to veterans’ records in the databases of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), if the veteran provides permission to the Congressional office to allow their records to be accessed. This would enable staff, who are already certified to access these records, to bypass the step of having to use the VA as a intermediator to receive them.” H.R. 3286 – HIRE Vets Act: “Would require the Department of Labor (DOL) to establish the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, within one year of enactment, to annually recognize businesses for their efforts to employ veterans. DOL would make awards to employers, on a voluntary basis, who recruit, employ, and retain veterans; and provide community and charitable services supporting the veteran community. Employers would earn either platinum or gold status based on requirements related to the number of veterans hired each year, if they provide pay equity for Guardsmen and Reserve employees who were called up to active military service, and if certain other requirements are met.” H.R. 5600 – No Hero Left Untreated Act: “Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a one year pilot program to treat a limited number of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, or opiate addiction or who have experienced military sexual trauma by using magnetic EEG/EKG-guided resonance therapy. The bill also requires VA to submit a report on the pilot program.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-has-obligation-provide-veterans-benefits-and-care-theyve-earned,"U.S. Has “Obligation to Provide Veterans the Benefits and Care They’ve Earned,” Westerman says (Video)",2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"November 29, 2016 WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement upon passage of seven veterans-related bills on Tuesday (November 29) in the U.S. House of Representatives: “The men and women who have served this nation in uniform have sacrificed in ways large and small,” Westerman said. “The United States has an obligation to provide veterans the benefits and care they’ve earned. That is why I joined with my House colleagues on the right and left today to support a series of bills that would ensure proper access to healthcare, education, and employment for our veterans. For far too long, our veterans have not received the benefits and care they deserve. These bills do not make up for the deficiencies in the V.A., but they are a step in the right direction for the heroes who fought for each of us.” The following is a list of veterans-related bills passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday (descriptions by the House Republican Conference): H.R. 5458 – Veterans TRICARE Choice Act: “Would allow certain individuals who are automatically eligible for TRICARE, which is the health benefits program of the Department of Defense, to elect to be temporarily ineligible for that benefit. Making that election would allow those individuals to contribute to health savings accounts (HSAs), which are tax-advantaged accounts used to pay health expenses. Under current law, individuals eligible for TRICARE and covered by a high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP) cannot make contributions to HSAs.” H.R. 4757 – To amend title 38, USC, to expand the eligibility for headstones, markers, and medallions furnished by the Secretary of VA for deceased individuals who were awarded the Medal of Honor: “Would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide special markers for the graves of those who have received the Medal of Honor and who are buried in private cemeteries. Under current law, the VA is prohibited from furnishing a distinctive headstone, marker, or medallion for Medal of Honor recipients who are buried in private cemeteries, if the grave is marked with a private headstone.” H.R. 5399 – Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act: “Would require physicians employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report unethical health care practices that take place at VA medical facilities to the appropriate state licensing authority within five days of occurrence. The bill also would require VA to inform physicians of their duty to report.” H.R. 5047 – Protecting Veterans’ Educational Choice Act: “Would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include information on articulation agreements when it provides educational and vocational counseling to veterans. Articulation agreements are arrangements between institutions of higher learning regarding how those institutions will grant academic credit for course work pursued at other institutions.” H.R. 5166 – WINGMAN Act: “Would enable congressional staff, which would include staff sometimes referred to as “caseworkers”, to have “read only” access to veterans’ records in the databases of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), if the veteran provides permission to the Congressional office to allow their records to be accessed. This would enable staff, who are already certified to access these records, to bypass the step of having to use the VA as a intermediator to receive them.” H.R. 3286 – HIRE Vets Act: “Would require the Department of Labor (DOL) to establish the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, within one year of enactment, to annually recognize businesses for their efforts to employ veterans. DOL would make awards to employers, on a voluntary basis, who recruit, employ, and retain veterans; and provide community and charitable services supporting the veteran community. Employers would earn either platinum or gold status based on requirements related to the number of veterans hired each year, if they provide pay equity for Guardsmen and Reserve employees who were called up to active military service, and if certain other requirements are met.” H.R. 5600 – No Hero Left Untreated Act: “Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a one year pilot program to treat a limited number of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, or opiate addiction or who have experienced military sexual trauma by using magnetic EEG/EKG-guided resonance therapy. The bill also requires VA to submit a report on the pilot program.” Issues:Veterans",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T21:07:19Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/good-riddance-castro-say-some-arkansans-cotton-wishes-him-afterlife-hell,"Good riddance to Castro, say some Arkansans; Cotton wishes him afterlife in hell",2016-11-27,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Republican Rep. French Hill of Arkansas' 2nd District echoed Cotton in a Facebook post that called Castro a ""brutal dictator"" who tore families apart and took away the rights of Cuba's people. ""History will not look down on this brutal dictator with kind regard -- and neither should we,"" he wrote. ""Today, I am hopeful that the Cuban people are one day closer to the type of freedom they deserve."" Click here to read more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=544,Cotton Statement on Fidel Castro,2016-11-26,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 26, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the death of Fidel Castro: ""Fidel Castro created hell on earth for the Cuban people. He will now become intimately familiar with what he wrought.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arkansas-fund-receives-tax-credit-finance-projects-state,Arkansas fund receives tax credit to finance projects in state,2016-11-24,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Heartland Renaissance Fund, LLC, of Little Rock, a subsidiary of Arkansas Capital Corporation, has been awarded an allocation of $65 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), the second largest award amount for Heartland in its 15-year history. Heartland Renaissance Fund was one of 120 organizations nationwide that were awarded tax credits totaling $7 billion for use in low-income communities under the 2015-2016 round of the NMTC program. The tax credits are administered by the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund. Sam Walls III, president of Heartland Renaissance Fund, said, “We are pleased to have been successful in receiving New Market Tax Credits to finance projects that result in job creation, enhanced community services, and more access to health care and education. Achieving an award of these credits is not easy, as it is a highly competitive process, and our success is a testament to the quality of the work of all who are associated with our investments. We are eager to invest these credits in a manner which is most beneficial to underserved communities, and we look forward to working with our partners to create more positive community impacts and economic growth.” U.S. Rep. French Hill praised the work of Heartland Renaissance Fund, noting that the award is Heartland’s fifth NMTC allocation in the history of the program, for a total of $265 million. “The Heartland Renaissance Fund provides an important service to our underserved communities in Arkansas, stimulating economic development, improving health care services and educational opportunities, and bringing jobs back for hardworking Americans. Today's New Market Tax Credit award will ensure that the HRF can continue its important work across Arkansas that will allow local communities to once again thrive."" The focus of Heartland Renaissance Fund is to provide low cost capital to both for-profit and nonprofit businesses, with an emphasis on economic development, health care, and education projects that are typically underserved by traditional financing sources. Heartland’s parent company, Arkansas Capital Corporation Inc., with offices in Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Fayetteville, is a nonprofit community development company providing loans, financing, and entrepreneurship education to build Arkansas’s economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=543,Cotton Thanksgiving Day Message,2016-11-24,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 24, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202)224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday November 24: ""Happy Thanksgiving from the Cotton family. This year, I'm thankful for my wonderful family-especially my wife Anna and our son, Gabriel, and the baby boy we will welcome next month. And I'm thankful for each of you, who keep me in your prayers and support me as I work on behalf of Arkansans. ""From the earliest days of our nation, Americans have set aside a day for public thanksgiving. This tradition is a part of who we are as a people. While we face many challenges in our lives and our life as a nation, we ought not let these challenges blind us to the many more blessings we have in our lives as individuals and as one people. ""These blessings include our troops, diplomats, and intelligence officers who are once again spending this holiday far from home as they work to make America safer and stronger. We're lucky to have these men and women on our side and we should remember them in our prayers of thanksgiving today and every day.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=396069C8-0F4C-492E-B80A-30481EDEC2F0,Small Businesses Need Our Support,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They account for 55 percent of all jobs in our economy and have provided 66 percent of all new jobs in the U.S. since the 1970s. As our economy grows and evolves, entrepreneurial men and women across the country continue to open businesses that produce goods or provide services for the marketplace. We can do our part to help this economic engine that employs many of our family, friends and neighbors. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for us to recognize the importance of local businesses and neighborhood retailers and the role they play in our communities. Small Business Saturday occurs on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It has joined Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the post-Thanksgiving shopping blitz. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, 95 million people went out to shop at small businesses last year on Small Business Saturday to the benefit of locally-owned small businesses. To highlight the many important contributions of our local businesses and neighborhood retailers, I cosponsored the Senate-passed resolution that supports Small Business Saturday. I am committed to creating a climate where businesses can succeed and consumers feel confident about spending their hard-earned income. As a former small business owner, I recognize the difficulty these businesses face in planning for future growth and investment when health care and food costs are rising and energy costs remain uncertain. That’s why I’m fighting for small businesses in the Senate. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business association, honored me with the ‘Guardian of Small Business’ award because of my strong support for small businesses and I will continue to work with my colleagues and our next President to create pro-growth policies to support these businesses. Producing more American energy, expanding our exports, investing in our infrastructure, cutting burdensome regulations and comprehensively reforming our tax code will spur growth and make our economy healthier, which will help the nearly 250,000 small businesses in Arkansas that employ over 400,000 people. Americans recognize the importance of small businesses and we understand that the success of small businesses depends upon customers willing to support them. By choosing to shop locally this holiday season, we can bolster small businesses and make a big impact on our communities. Small Business Saturday is gaining momentum. Previous years have been a big success, thanks in large part to the increased awareness about the contributions of small businesses to our economy. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 26th. Let’s do our part to generate economic growth in our communities by shopping at locally owned businesses and retailers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=542,Cotton Statement on Facebook's Development of a Censorship Tool for Possible Use in China,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 23, 2016 Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on Facebook's development of a censorship tool for possible use in China:""That Facebook has been engineering a way to accommodate Communist China's censorship is deeply disturbing. If Facebook moves forward with this new feature and bends to Beijing's will, it would normalize complicity in oppression for other technology companies and embolden other authoritarian regimes. The promise of technology lies in creating a future that is freer. But if Facebook shamefully rationalizes censorship in pursuit of short-term profit, it will be placing its fortunes in a future that is more closed, less prosperous, and much darker.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hill-asks-president-elect-create-regulatory-relief-task-force,Hill Asks President-Elect to Create Regulatory Relief Task Force,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) wrote to President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence asking them to create a Task Force on Regulatory Relief to address the overly burdensome regulations from federal agencies that are hurting economic and job growth. Yesterday, President Barack Obama released his semi-annual regulatory agenda, giving insight into what additional regulations the president plans to propose prior to leaving office in January of next year. “Even in the waning moments of his presidency, President Obama still wants to press forward with the regulatory proposals that have stymied economic growth over the past eight years,” said Hill. “This type of deafness to the negative effects of the administration’s burdensome regulatory policy is —in large part— what galvanized the American people to overwhelmingly support the pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda of House Republicans.” In the letter, Hill stated: “Since President Obama took office in 2009, federal agencies have issued approximately 600 major regulations costing taxpayers over $100 million each. The current regulatory regime has decimated many of our communities across the country, impacting many middle-income jobs in important industries, particularly our energy industries of oil, gas, and coal. We have also seen these regulations disproportionately impact our Nation’s small businesses that struggle to succeed under the weight of the increased regulation and compliance costs. “After his inauguration in 1981, President Ronald Reagan established the Task Force on Regulatory Relief, with his Vice President George H.W. Bush at the helm, to help return the Nation to prosperity and productivity with ‘real reform and tangible results’ for the American people. For its charter, the Task Force was tasked with reviewing major regulations proposed by our federal agencies, assessing regulations already on the books for needed changes, and overseeing the development of legislative proposals to address regulatory reform. “In the House, we worked to pass legislation known as the REINS Act to require Congressional approval of major regulations from our federal agencies to ensure their effectiveness and economic benefits to the American taxpayers. With your election, we have the unique opportunity to effectively review our existing federal regulations and implement common sense proposals to restore our economy, provide more jobs for hardworking Americans, and revitalize our communities.” Related Hill Statement on DOL Overtime Rule Hill Statement on DOL Fiduciary Rule Hill Votes to Ensure Small Businesses Have a Voice in CFPB Regulations Hill Highlights CFPB’s Ineffective TRID Implementation at ALTA Conference Hill Statement on WOTUS Injunction Hill Statement on TRID Changes",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1086,Hill Asks President-Elect to Create Regulatory Relief Task Force,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) wrote to President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence asking them to create a Task Force on Regulatory Relief to address the overly burdensome regulations from federal agencies that are hurting economic and job growth. Yesterday, President Barack Obama released his semi-annual regulatory agenda, giving insight into what additional regulations the president plans to propose prior to leaving office in January of next year. Even in the waning moments of his presidency, President Obama still wants to press forward with the regulatory proposals that have stymied economic growth over the past eight years, said Hill. This type of deafness to the negative effects of the administration's burdensome regulatory policy is in large part what galvanized the American people to overwhelmingly support the pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda of House Republicans. In the letter, Hill stated: Since President Obama took office in 2009, federal agencies have issued approximately 600 major regulations costing taxpayers over $100 million each. The current regulatory regime has decimated many of our communities across the country, impacting many middle-income jobs in important industries, particularly our energy industries of oil, gas, and coal. We have also seen these regulations disproportionately impact our Nation's small businesses that struggle to succeed under the weight of the increased regulation and compliance costs. After his inauguration in 1981, President Ronald Reagan established the Task Force on Regulatory Relief, with his Vice President George H.W. Bush at the helm, to help return the Nation to prosperity and productivity with real reform and tangible results' for the American people. For its charter, the Task Force was tasked with reviewing major regulations proposed by our federal agencies, assessing regulations already on the books for needed changes, and overseeing the development of legislative proposals to address regulatory reform. In the House, we worked to pass legislation known as the REINS Act to require Congressional approval of major regulations from our federal agencies to ensure their effectiveness and economic benefits to the American taxpayers. With your election, we have the unique opportunity to effectively review our existing federal regulations and implement common sense proposals to restore our economy, provide more jobs for hardworking Americans, and revitalize our communities. Related Hill Statement on DOL Overtime Rule Hill Statement on DOL Fiduciary Rule Hill Votes to Ensure Small Businesses Have a Voice in CFPB Regulations Hill Highlights CFPB's Ineffective TRID Implementation at ALTA Conference Hill Statement on WOTUS Injunction Hill Statement on TRID Changes",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B90463F7-D024-47B2-B542-05575064014B,Boozman Statement on Preliminary Injunction Against Overtime Rule,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after a federal judge halted the U.S. Department’s of Labor’s (DOL) overtime rule that was set to take effect December 1, 2016: “I’ve heard from people all over Arkansas who shared their concerns about this overreaching rule and the weakened flexibility for businesses, employees, nonprofits, colleges and universities. This injunction is great news for Arkansas and an important step to reining in the Obama administration’s abuse of the regulatory process. I look forward to working with the next administration to revise this rule in favor of polices that pursue a balanced and responsible approach to updating federal overtime rules,” Boozman said. The DOL overtime rule would increase the salary threshold under which employees qualify for overtime pay ­from $23,660 to $47,476. This summer, Boozman helped introduced legislation under the Congressional Review Act to block implementation of this rule.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z