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://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8184,Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Eighth Report,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Eighth Report 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 31, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
      
    
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C.  The members of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Commission have published their eighth report.It is available for review here. 
The Commission's seven previous reports are also available for review at theCongressional Oversight Commission's website.
The Congressional Oversight Commission is a five-person panel that was established by the CARES Act. The Commission is focused specifically on the economic stabilization efforts of the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. The members of the commission are Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-Fla.), and Congressman French Hill (R-Ark.) Commissioner Bharat Ramamurti recently announced he would be joining President-Elect Biden's Administration as the Deputy Director of the National Economic Council and stepped down from his role on the Commission. The Commission's chairperson has not been appointed yet.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8182,Hill Votes to Support Military Families and Stand Up to the Communist Chinese Party,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Votes to Support Military Families and Stand Up to the Communist Chinese Party 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 28, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after voting to override President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act. This year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) supports our brave men and women in uniform and their families and sends a strong message to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that we will go to great lengths to protect America and our allies. China poses the greatest threat to America today and the greatest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War II. While I share the president's and many in Congress's concern about social media companies being protected from legal scrutiny by way of the Communications Decency Act in Section 230 and its exploitation by Big Tech, I believe Congress must assess exactly what the corrective step is and how it best fits with the other ongoing investigations of ""Big Tech"" and the social media platforms on and off the Hill. 
 Despite the president's criticism of this measure, I voted to override his veto because we need to fund the military and this legislation, contrary to some views, is tough on China. This year's NDAA includes 43 policy recommendations from the China Task Force report, including a new Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which aims to establish a regionwide approach to countering China. It also beefs up the U.S. Government's oversight tools to address the CCP's human rights abuses and support for Taiwan. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our nation is secure and has the resources it needs to keep the American people safe.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8183,"Hill: “We must focus our resources to assist families, individuals, small businesses, and working Arkansans”",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill: We must focus our resources to assist families, individuals, small businesses, and working Arkansans 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 28, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after voting against amending the Consolidated Appropriations Act to increase Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to $2,000 per individual:
We must focus our resources to assist families, individuals, small businesses, and working Arkansans and Americans in the most effective way possible. Increasing EIPs to $2,000 per individual will not serve to benefit our economy in the long-run. It is not the most optimal form of relief for the American people, who need immediate support.
Without this amendment, the bipartisan Consolidated Appropriations Act includes much-needed rental assistance. It extends the Paycheck Protection Program, which will keep more small business employees earning wages. It increases unemployment benefits for those struggling to find work as a result of the pandemic. It provides $2,400 of EIPs to a family of four. Finally, it will give our governors the flexibility to spend unused CARES Act funds.
Although I voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act in order to provide relief to the people of Arkansas in a timely manner, the $600 EIPs should have been better targeted to Americans who are truly suffering from the negative impact of the pandemic.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8174,Hill Votes to Pass Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief and Fund the Government,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, the House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which provides targeted COVID-19 relief of approximately $900 billion, which is composed of new appropriated funds of approximately $325 billion after rescinding $429 billion in Federal Reserve 13(3) authority and repurposing unused PPP funds. Further, the Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $1.4 trillion to fully fund the government through the next fiscal year. After the vote, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement:
 This long-awaited package is the result of a substantial bipartisan effort by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide the people of Arkansas with much-needed relief.
While Speaker Pelosi could have accepted a very similar bill from House and Senate Republicans in July, passing this relief package shows a bipartisan desire to support American families and small businesses and give them assurances and confidence before the end of the year.
Together, we face an unprecedented and invisible enemy. Every steppingstone to defeat this virus is crucial, and this bill is a key component of our victory.
I thank my colleagues for coming together to prevent a government shutdown and for finally producing relief to help carry Arkansas families, workers, small businesses, and educational institutions through this pandemic.
In response to the challenges created by COVID-19, this legislation will: 
Bolster the Economy:
 
    $325 billion for small businesses, including $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, dedicated set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and expanded PPP eligibility for 501(c)(6) nonprofits, including destination marketing organizations, and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters.
    $20 billion for new EIDL Grants for businesses in low-income communities.
    $15 billion in funding for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss. 
    Expands list of eligible expenses to include covered operations; property damage costs that are not covered by insurance; covered supplier costs; and covered worker protection expenditures (PPE). PPP borrowers will be allowed to take tax deductions for covered business expenses.
    $13 billion to support farmers and the agriculture sector, including assistance under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and funding directed to programs that support local producers and new and beginning farmers.
 
Support Working Families:
 
    Economic Impact Payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, as well as a $600 payment for each child dependent.
    $286 billion for an additional $300 per week in unemployment insurance, through March 14.
    $25 billion for a rental assistance (to be distributed through state and local agencies) and an extension of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention eviction moratorium through January 31.
    $69 billion for vaccine procurement and distribution and monies sent to states for testing, tracing, and COVID mitigation programs.
    Incentivizes employers to give employees $5,250 per year toward their student loans. Employees will no longer have to pay a tax on the amount given towards their student loans for the next five years.
 
Provide Flexibility for our Governors:
 
     State and local governments will now have until December 31, 2021 to spend aid provided by the CARES Act.
    $7 billion total in broadband funding
    
        $2 billion to replace foreign manufactured equipment
        $300 million for rural
        $250 million for telehealth
    
    
    $82 billion for aid to schools and universities, including K-12 and higher education.
    $20 billion for purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it, $8 billion for vaccine distribution, and $20 billion to assist states with testing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-covid-19-relief-federal-funding,"House Passes COVID-19 Relief, Federal Funding",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, year-end legislation that funds annual federal government operations and allocates COVID-19 relief. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) released the following statement:

""It's been a long negotiating process, but I believe we've got a winning end product. In addition to the overdue and much-needed COVID-19 relief, the appropriations bills fund our military and the border wall, reinstate the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), don't remove any pro-life protections, and much more while still coming in under the budget caps we'd set, something that hasn't happened in several years. It's an imperfect process – these bills should've been passed months ago – but it's the best we've got under the current situation. I voted for them and hope to see them signed into law soon.""

Background

The funding breakdown for COVID-19 relief includes:

$600 stimulus checks per individual/child, capped at $75,000 gross adjusted income per individual ($150,000 for married couples). These payments will be based on 2019 tax returns.

$280 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Businesses with fewer than 300 employees and that have had a 25 percent reduction in revenue are eligible for a second round of payments.

$20 billion for the production of vaccines and therapeutics, covering the cost for everyone who needs it.

$45 billion in transportation assistance, including $15 billion for passenger air carriers to retain employees.

$300 million for the broadband deployment program to support rural broadband infrastructure, and $250 million to the FCC to carry out the temporary telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act.

$13 billion in support to farmers, ranchers and the agriculture sector.

The funding breakdown for the annual appropriations bills includes:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8158,Hill Votes to Fund Government to Pass COVID-19 Relief,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Votes to Fund Government to Pass COVID-19 Relief 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 18, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) voted to extend the federal government through December 20th in order to finalize a COVID-19 relief bill. Rep. Hill issued the following statement after the passage of the continuing resolution:I am encouraged by the significant bipartisan effort, from both Congress and the Trump Administration, to sit down and come to a thorough agreement on COVID-19 relief. As we continue to deliberate on the most supportive and effective bill for American families, small businesses, and workers, I am pleased that both parties have agreed to extend the federal government as we head towards a deal.""
    
  
  
  
    
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https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-senior-staff-change,Westerman Announces Senior Staff Change,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced that his chief of staff, Vivian Moeglein, will be leaving his personal office to join the House Committee on Natural Resources as its first female Republican staff director. Westerman will become the committee's ranking member in January 2021. Sarah Slocum Collins, a Fourth District native and senior manager of federal government relations for Tyson Foods Inc., will replace Moeglein as chief of staff. Westerman issued the following statement:

""Over the past five years, Vivian has been an invaluable resource to our team. She brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and I've been so blessed to benefit from her leadership and political savvy in D.C. I know she will be an exceptional leader on the committee. I'm also thrilled to welcome Sarah to Capitol Hill as she takes on this new role. As an Arkansan, a proud University of Arkansas Law School alumna and an experienced legal consultant, Sarah is very familiar with both state and federal policy and will lead our office well. I'm so grateful to both of them for their service to the Fourth District of Arkansas. We have many exciting years ahead!""

Background

Moeglein took on the chief of staff position for Westerman in 2015, where she oversaw all staff operations, policy negotiations, long-term legislative plans and more. Prior to joining Westerman's office, Moeglein was the senior advisor for transportation programs at the American Council of Engineering Companies. She also worked in legislative roles for U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson while they were both serving as congressmen in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Collins grew up in Sheridan, Ark., received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas, and received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law. She worked in Northwest Arkansas for the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and in Little Rock for Roberts Law Firm before moving to D.C. in 2017, where she has since been a member of Tyson Foods Inc.'s federal government affairs team.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8133,Hill Continues to Push for Community Banking Relief,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Continues to Push for Community Banking Relief 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Little Rock,
        December 15, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
      
    
  
  
    
      
      
      Little Rock, Ark.  Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. voted to finalize a regulation that narrows the scope of companies that are considered deposit brokers:I appreciate the work the FDIC has done to modernize the way banks access deposits and the benefits they provide for their customers. FDIC's release of this final rule shows their commitment to advancement in technology and the importance of allowing banks to be able to take advantage of these changes. Unfortunately, though, the rule doesn't go quite far enough. I have long advocated that custodial deposits should not be considered brokered-deposits as evidenced by H.R. 4383, the Community Bank Deposit Access Act which I introduced with Rep. Charlie Crist. Unfortunately, this FDIC rule still does not make this clear. Custodial deposits empower community banks to attract the deposit funding needed to retain valuable local customer relationships with loans that serve the needs of communities like mine in central Arkansas. I urge the FDIC to make this clarification.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-nominations-military-academies-0,Westerman Announces Nominations to Military Academies,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced the Fourth District's student nominations to military academies. Westerman issued the following statement:

""I'd like to encourage all Fourth District students interested in serving their country to consider attending a military academy. America's freedom and values depend on the courage of young people who put on a uniform and fight to protect liberty. U.S. military academies offer unparalleled opportunities to serve while obtaining a fully-funded, top-notch education.""

Background

To attend a U.S. service academy, students must be nominated by either the vice president, their senator or their representative. All interested candidates are seniors in high school or currently attending an Academy Preparatory School, and they fill out a packet and submit it through their elected representative's office.

The nomination deadline was Nov. 1, 2020. Below are the students Westerman nominated to military academies:

Harrison Brownlee from Hot Springs, nominated to the U.S. Military Academy

David Carter from Hot Springs, nominated to the Merchant Marine Academy and Naval Academy

Samuel Bell from Norman, nominated to the Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and Naval Academy

Daniel Stuckey from Rison, nominated to the Air Force Academy

Adrian Post from Altus, nominated to the Air Force Academy

Cody Lambert from Redfield, nominated to the Air Force Academy

Angie Saldana from Magnolia, nominated to the Air Force Academy",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8115,"Hill Hails Supreme Court Ruling to Support Community Pharmacies, Lower Health Care Costs",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Hails Supreme Court Ruling to Support Community Pharmacies, Lower Health Care Costs 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 10, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, after the United State Supreme Court rules unanimously to reinstate an Arkansas law to allow the state ensure pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) do not pay less than wholesale rates to community pharmacies, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement:
I am pleased with the Supreme Court's ruling to support the commonsense approach of Arkansas and the 45 states that joined our state. This is a major victory for Arkansas consumers who deserve access to lower health care prices and independent pharmacists because it will help ensure they are fairly reimbursed and will help keep the doors open at these community facilities that provide to the community so much more than prescriptions.""
PBMs process prescription drug claims and then reimburse the pharmacies. The Arkansas legislature passed this law because they noted that often community and independent pharmacies were receiving low reimbursement rates for generic drugs, causing many independent, rural pharmacies to close. This case, led by Arkansas, and in partnership with 45 other states, the District of Columbia, and the Trump Administration, is a significant step towards lowering prescription drug prices and supporting independent pharmacies.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8118,Hill Demands Answers for American Taxpayer at Congressional Oversight Commission Hearing,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, the Congressional Oversight Commission held its third public hearing to examinethe funds authorized by the CARES Act that provide up to $17 billion for loans and loan guarantees to businesses critical to maintaining national security.U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was the sole witness at the hearing. At the hearing, and after conducting thorough oversight of these loans, Rep. French Hill (AR02) expressed particular concerns with the loan provided to YRC Worldwide by the Treasury, stating that he believes it might have been a misstep by the federal government. He used the hearing to raise these concerns and get answers for the American taxpayer. 
At today's hearing, I voiced my concerns to the Treasury Secretary about the loan made to YRC Worldwide, said Rep. Hill. YRC Worldwide has been hanging on by a thread since the global financial crisis and has survived only because of government bailouts and financial assistance from the private equity industry. After analyzing the data and reviewing YRC's collateral, I would not have given this company a loan. 
Watch Rep. French Hill's opening remarks and questions from the hearing HERE or by clicking on the image below.

Rep. Hill's key questions for Secretary Mnuchin are copied below:
Rep. Hill: When you were reviewing this credit application, were you aware of this debt-for-equity swap and trouble YRC had at the end of the financial crisis?
Secretary Mnuchin: I believe the team was. I was not specifically aware of that.
Rep. Hill: So, in addition to the valuation questions on the collateral pool I talked about, I wondered if the team had had conversations with the other senior creditors for tranche A on a different sharing arrangement before you agreed to the terms.
Secretary Mnuchin: Well, I can tell you we obviously had discussions with other creditors because we needed intercreditor agreements on other issues. I personally don't recall any of those conversations. Adam Lerrick who led the team was here and can follow up with your office. And again, let me just reiterate Representative Hill and others. This was a risky loan. We have been fortunate that the economy recovered and that the equity is doing well, and I am going to recommend that next year whoever is Treasury Secretary seriously look at selling this loan in recovering what I think will be a profit to taxpayers because this was a success. We do not want to be in the long-term business of lending to this type of company or any of the national security companies, but, fortunately, we have made a significant profit and taxpayers should get paid back.

Rep. Hill: What recommendations would you make, now having gone through this CARES Act, when it comes to drafting this kind of language in the future, for future treasury secretaries? Would you have a different caveat than simply having the DOD secretary certify that a company is essential to national security, and in your personal view do you think an LTL trucking company is essential to national security?
Secretary Mnuchin: Let me just say, if I had to do it all over again, I would use the same criteria. Again, I think the intent when we did this was there was going to be some big companies, but again, we set up the intent early on. It's not my position to comment on the DOD's certification, although I will make a comment that I do agree with. I hope that the Pentagon looks at all of their critical vendors and looks at the financial condition in spreading risk. Had they not had this type of exposure, perhaps they wouldn't have certified it.

Rep. Hill: From my review of the collateral pool, it does not look like it's at all adequately secured for covering both Apollo and tranche A plus the other obligations of the company. I just would ask your view: did you look at the collateral pool and do you believe that the collateral protected the American taxpayers?
Secretary Mnuchin: The answer to that is yes. We did a thorough analysis of the collateral pool. We consulted with Perella Weinberg who was our financial advisor on this loan and all the national security loans and let me comment we did get equity and our equity is currently worth $100 million dollars.
Rep. Hill: That's because the stock has increased because the Treasury now has made this loan, and I agree the company was certainly near bankruptcy before the credit.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/virtual-congressional-delegation-brings-together-us-and-mexican-businesses,VIRTUAL CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION BRINGS TOGETHER US AND MEXICAN BUSINESSES,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Rick Crawford of Arkansas led a first of its kind virtual delegation, hosted by the Council of the Americas, that brought some 40 representatives of American and Mexican companies together to discuss trade and investment between the two countries. Congressman Crawford was joined by Texas Congressmen Jodey Arrington and Vicente Gonzalez.

""I appreciate the efforts of the Council of the Americas to bring together my colleagues in Congress and representatives of the U.S. and Mexican business communities to discuss business and trade opportunities, especially as we continue to cope with the impact of COVID-19. Our two countries have a strong economic relationship, as exemplified by recent trade figures and the implementation of USMCA. It is important that we continue to explore ways to expand market access and supply chains that are mutually beneficial to our communities on both sides of the border,"" said Congressman Crawford.

Congressman Arrington stated, ""The U.S.- Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was one of the biggest accomplishments of the 116th Congress. This historic trade deal has been a major win for our farmers, ranchers, and energy producers who feed, fuel, and clothe the world. I look forward to my discussion with the CODEL participants and continuing to improve and grow our mutually beneficial trade relationship with Mexico.""

""There are many challenges that Mexico and the United States must face together. The virtual delegation put together by the Council of Americas was an important medium to discuss the issues critical to South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Businesses on both side of the border depend on trade and tourism and are struggling as a result of the pandemic. It is vital to South Texas' and Mexico's economic interests that we continue to promote a business environment that is both safe and fair for workers and investors. I look forward to future discussions and improving the economic and diplomatic relationship between our two countries with the help of the incoming Biden administration."", said Congressman Gonzalez.

Eric Farnsworth, Vice President of the Council highlighted the innovative nature of the effort. ""We were pleased to host this virtual delegation to highlight the opportunities for trade and investment between Mexico and the United States. We are grateful for the leadership of Congressmen Crawford, Arrington and Gonzalez in paving the way for this type of virtual engagement, and plan to build on this success.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8110,Hill Announces Hiring of New Press Assistant,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Announces Hiring of New Press Assistant 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 9, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) announced that Preston Mizell joined his staff to serve as Press Assistant. Preston graduated with a degree in Economics from Florida State University and started his career on Capitol Hill in the office of Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) before becoming Press Assistant and Legislative Correspondent for retiring Congressman Francis Rooney (FL-19).I look forward to Preston bringing new energy, enthusiasm, and ideas to my office and communications team,said Rep. Hill.Preston will provide effective and authentic communication as he corresponds with the hard-working men and women of Arkansas.

    
        
            
        
    


    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8119,"Hill Supports Short-Term Spending, Calls on Democrats to Prioritize COVID-19 Relief",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Supports Short-Term Spending, Calls on Democrats to Prioritize COVID-19 Relief 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 9, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, after voting for a short-term government funding bill to fund the federal government while the House and Senate finalize the long-term spending package, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement:Democrats and Republicans have agreed to continue vital discussions on the final 2021 appropriations and critically needed targeted relief from the ravages of COVID-19. Let's get the job done.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8109,Hill’s National Security Priorities Included in Annual Defense Bill,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Following approval of the conference report to accompany H.R. 6395, the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a bipartisan vote of 335-78, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement:

It is up to Congress to determine how best to utilize the dollars from hard-working American taxpayers for our national defense and security priorities, and as a part of this year's funding, I am pleased to see a pay raise for the servicemen and servicewomen who defend our nation in the annual defense bill. This year's bill also supports our local mission at the Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) by allocating funds to upgrade our nation's C-130 fleet, enabling LRAFB to maintain its crucial role in our military's airlift capabilities for years to come.

Following shooting at Naval Air StationPensacola, the NDAA requires a more thorough process for vetting foreign nationals on our lands and their access to military bases. This is key as pilots and crews from other countries routinely train at LRAFB. This bill also supports our service members and military families by initiating mental healthcare reforms to prevent suicide, improves military family housing, and includes additional reforms designed to prevent sexual assault and harassment. ""This year's NDAA also includes two of my important national security policies, both of which have passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan approval.
With the continued expansion of the Chinese Community Party's (CCP) Belt and Road' initiative, and the country's increasing role as an international creditor, there is an urgent need for greater transparency of lending terms to ensure that the CCP does not take advantage of developing nations and economies. My legislation, the Ensuring Chinese Debt Transparency Act, will ensure transparency in lending terms developing countries receive from the CCP and international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the IMF and World Bank.
Another bill I introduced, the Cooperate with Law Enforcement Agencies and Watch (CLAW) Act, helps the financial services industry partner with law enforcement agencies to monitor the flow of cash associated with criminal activities. During my time as a community banker, I experienced the conflict of wanting to assist law enforcement agencies but being limited by Anti-Money Laundering or Bank Secrecy Act requirements, and this bill promotes cooperation between the two groups to allow law enforcement agencies to keep our financial system safe from criminals and terrorists while eliminating conflicting repercussions for the financial services industry.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8103,"Hill Legislation Commemorating Arkansas Civil Rights Champion, Scipio Jones, Signed into Law",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C.Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) announced that his bill, H.R. 3317, the Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act, was signed into law. Rep. Hill's bill honors Arkansas civil rights champion and lawyer, Scipio Jones, by allowing his portrait to be displayed in the Little Rock post office that bears Jones's name. This achievement is the result of inspiration by Little Rock attorney John Gill and collaboration with Gill and historian Dr. Brian Mitchell of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

    
        
            
        
    



Here in Arkansas, we are deeply proud of Scipio Jones and his important contributions to our state, and to our nation, as a civil rights icon and lawyer. In the wake of the Elaine Race Massacre in 1919, Mr. Jones bravely and successfully defended twelve African American sharecroppers who had been wrongfully charged in connection to a crime they didn't commit and placed on death row,said Rep. Hill. I am pleased that my bill, the Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act, finally has been signed into law to allow current and future generations to appreciate fully Mr. Jones's critical role inshaping Arkansas's history and the fight for equality. I am grateful to Sen. Boozman and Sen. Cotton for their partnership on the Senate version of this bill, my colleagues in the House and Senate for supporting this legislation, and President Trump for signing this bill into law. I also thank John Gill and Dr. Brian Mitchell for the many hours they spent helping with this project.

I extend my thanks to Rep. Hill for his efforts to introduce and pass this legislation recognizing Scipio Africanus Jones and his fight for racial equality. Though born a slave, Scipio Jones dedicated himself to public service and became an attorney in Little Rock. I was proud to work with Rep. Hill to honor this Arkansas civil rights champion with a portrait in the Little Rock Post Office names in his honor,saidDr. Brian Mitchell, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.Scipio Jones played an important role in Arkansas's history, especially in the volatile aftermath of the Elaine Massacre, and I am excited to see him honored in this way.



    
        
            
            Rep. Hill with Dr. Brian Mitchell
        
    


  
Soon after having the idea to include a portrait of Scipio Jones in the Scipio A. Jones Post Office in Little Rock, I discovered that this gesture would take an act of Congress to accomplish - literally,said John Gill.Thankfully, Rep. Hill enthusiastically endorsed this idea and worked with his colleagues in Washington to pass the required legislation. I am thrilled that this bill has been signed into law, and I hope this portrait will inspire our citizens and young Arkansans to follow in Mr. Jones's footsteps.  



    
        
            
            Scipio Jones with Elaine Massacre defendants
        
    


About Scipio Jones
Scipio Africanus Jones, who was born an enslaved person in 1863, attended Walden Seminary (now Philander Smith College) and then attended Bethel Institute (now Shorter College), earning his bachelor's degree in 1885. In 1889, Jones passed the bar and was admitted to practice before theSupreme Court of Arkansasin 1900 and by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1905.
After the horrific massacre of Black Americans in Elaine, Arkansas, in 1919, he defended 12 wrongly accused Black men who had been charged with murder and condemned by all-white juries.
Despite its being described as a ""race riot,"" most of the victims were Black, and most of the aggressors were white. With his clients already facing execution, Jones fought their convictions in both state and federal courts. An appeal was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that the accused had been denied due process of law. After reviewing the case, the Supreme Court agreed and overturned the convictions.Moore v. Dempseychanged the nature of the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause. The ruling allowed for federal courts to hear and examine evidence in state criminal cases to ensure that the defendants' constitutional rights were protected. It was a landmark ruling that fundamentally changed American law by ensuring that those accused of a crime had received due process.
AboutH.R. 3317, Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act
In 2007, the House passed legislation to name the post office located at 1700 Main Street in Little Rock, Arkansas, after Jones.
Today, a plaque at the post office bears his name, but post office regulations restrict the items that can be placed on display.
On June 18th, 2019, Rep. Hill introduced legislation to allow a full-sized portrait of Scipio Jones to be on display at the post office in Little Rock which bears his name. Funds for the portrait will be raised privately and no taxpayer money will be spent on the artwork. The legislation passed the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on December 19th, 2019, passed the full House on February 5th, 2020, passed the Senate on November 18th, and was signed into law by President Trump on December 3rd, 2020.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8104,Hill Votes Against MORE Act; Pelosi Priorities “Insulting”,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Votes Against MORE Act; Pelosi Priorities Insulting 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        December 4, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) voted with his Republican colleagues against H.R. 3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act. This legislation would decriminalize marijuana by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and eliminating criminal penalties for any person who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana.Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly hurt American workers, families, and small businesses, Speaker Pelosi once again has put the wants of special interests against the needs of the American people, said Rep. Hill. Instead of working with House Republicans to finalize a COVID-19 relief deal and give states critical flexibility to spend unused CARES Act funds, the Speaker has brought to brought the House back to Washington to vote on a bill to fund recreational marijuana use and that is insulting.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-ranking-member-elect-bruce-westerman,What They Are Saying: Ranking Member-Elect Bruce Westerman,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, the Republican Conference ratified the Republican Steering Committee's recommendation for U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) to be the next ranking member of the House Committee on Natural Resources.

""Bruce Westerman exemplifies the results-oriented leadership we need to secure wins for Republican resource management and conservation policies. I've traveled across the country with Bruce – from Alaska and Arizona to Montana, Nevada, and Texas – and he consistently demonstrates an earnest commitment to solving the resource challenges facing our nation. As the only forester in Congress, he has a uniquely advantageous understanding of our nation's land, water, and environment, and I believe our Conference would be remiss not to capitalize on his expertise. Through my work with Bruce on the Natural Resources Committee and as fellow Members of the Congressional Western Caucus, I have witnessed his strong, principled, conservative leadership. I am proud to endorse him for the Republican leader of the House Natural Resources Committee."" – Dan Newhouse, Chairman-Elect, Congressional Western Caucus

""I want to congratulate my friend, Bruce Westerman, on being elected Republican Leader of the Natural Resources Committee! Bruce has a passion for our country, forestry, and for ensuring that conservation and energy exploration go hand-in-hand. I look forward to working with him!"" – Don Young, Natural Resources Committee Chairman Emeritus and Dean of the House

""Very excited for Representative Westerman. Nobody knows these issues better than Bruce. This is great news for Arkansas and I look forward to helping him on this side of the Capitol."" – U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.)

""In the four years I've worked with Bruce on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I've known him to be a team player and a committed leader. With his leadership as the Ranking Member on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee this Congress, our committee passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act through the House. He has proven his ability to engage members from all sides of an issue, work across the aisle and advance Conference priorities. All these qualities make Bruce an excellent pick to be the next Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member. I give him my full support."" – U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.)

""Representative Westerman is a great friend and colleague, and I'm thrilled that he'll be taking the lead as the new ranking member for the Natural Resources Committee. He has been incredibly helpful and supportive of our efforts to defend mining in Minnesota for years now. Well deserved, and congratulations Bruce!"" – U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.)

""I have had the privilege of working with Congressman Westerman on resources issues since I joined him in Congress last year, as well as recently joining him on the Natural Resources Committee. He has been a great champion on critical issues both for my district and throughout the nation. Whether it is proper forest management, responsibly sourcing our country's minerals and resources, or ensuring our public lands are accessible to all Americans, we have a champion in Bruce, and I believe he would be a fantastic leader for Republicans on the Natural Resources Committee."" – U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.)

""After working with Bruce for years and serving on two committees with him, he stands out as the clear choice to lead the Natural Resources Committee. The committee will play a key role in our regulatory, climate and energy future. His incomparable experience and education uniquely qualify him for the position. There is no doubt that Bruce will do an excellent job advancing conservative natural resources solutions."" – U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.)

""Congrats to Representative Westerman who was elected as Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee today! Congressman Westerman is a great friend who has both the passion and knowledge to lead policy reforms in forestry and land management."" – U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.)

""Congrats to my good friend and fellow Arkansan Bruce Westerman on being elected the Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee. I can attest to his unparalleled knowledge and passion for forestry, federal land management, and smart and effective policymaking."" – U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.)

""Congratulations to my friend, Bruce Westerman, on being elected as the Natural Resources Committee's Ranking Member! An avid outdoorsman in Arkansas, Bruce's knowledge about the environment, conservation, and federal land management makes him uniquely qualified to lead the committee."" – U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.)

""Congratulations to Representative Westerman on his selection as the new Ranking Member for the Natural Resources Committee! The only forester in Congress, he is well suited to lead this important committee."" – U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.)

""I believe Bruce Westerman is an ideal person to lead the House Natural Resources Committee. As an active member of both the sportsmen's and the conservation policy communities, I have worked with Bruce on a number of natural resource issues important to our interests. His thoughtfulness and leadership, stemming from his deep knowledge and experience, on these and other natural resource issues has earned him the respect of sportsmen and conservationists. This also makes possible his skill in bringing different ideas together. In combination, these are the attributes for effectiveness and good results, and why I believe Bruce is the right candidate for leadership of the Committee."" – Simon Roosevelt, Great-Grandson of Theodore Roosevelt

""Congratulations to my friend Bruce Westerman on becoming Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources! I can think of no one more qualified, knowledgeable, or dedicated to our natural resources and outdoor conservation to lead this committee."" – Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas Governor

""The American Conservation Coalition works with young Americans across the country to promote market-based, limited-government solutions to environmental challenges. Congressman Westerman's strong leadership on issues like climate change, as well as his willingness to listen to and collaborate with young leaders on developing effective policy solutions, is why he has earned ACC's full support for the Ranking Member position on the House Natural Resources Committee. His unique qualification as the only forester in Congress and proven track record as a member of the committee will allow him to effectively guide the Republican policy agenda in the 117th Congress."" – Quill Robinson, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Conservation Coalition

""Congressman Bruce Westerman understands that Republicans can lead on conservation and natural resource issues. That's why he has advanced commonsense, proactive solutions on issues such as climate change, catastrophic wildfires, and public lands access. As an engineer and the only professional forester in Congress, Westerman has personally visited rural, forested communities across the country, continues to be an outspoken advocate for the importance of active forest management, and is uniquely positioned to lead Republicans on the House Natural Resources Committee."" – Travis Joseph, President and CEO, American Forest Resource Council

""As the beef industry's oldest and largest national marketing and trade association, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) wishes to express support for Congressman Bruce Westerman as an outstanding candidate to lead the House Committee on Natural Resources. As the only professionally-trained forester in the House of Representatives, Congressman Westerman's leadership on forest health has engendered trust in cattle producers across the country, particularly in the West where the risk of catastrophic wildfire are always top of mind. We are confident Congressman Westerman will provide strong leadership of this committee for cattle producers throughout the United States."" – Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Cattleman's Beef Association

""As the United States struggles after another historic wildfire year, it's time for leadership that understands the need to drastically change the direction of our forest management. Bruce Westerman has the vision and knowledge needed for our National Forests and other public lands at this critical time. As a professional forester and a passionate outdoorsman, Bruce understands the value of management of natural resources in ways few other members of Congress do. We strongly endorse him for the top spot on the House Natural Resources Committee."" – Chuck Roady, President, Federal Forest Resource Coalition

""On behalf of the recreational boating industry, I write to express our strong support for Representative Bruce Westerman to be the next Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Westerman recognizes the significant economic and conservation benefits that recreational boating provides to communities across the country, and the congressman has been a valuable partner to the outdoor recreation community prior to and during his time in Congress."" – T. Nicole Vasilaros, Senior Vice President, National Marine Manufacturers Association

""Congratulations to Representative Westerman for this well-earned honor. Great for Arkansas!"" – Arkansas Farm Bureau

""The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is proud to endorse Rep. Westerman to become the lead Republican on the House Natural Resources Committee. As an avid sportsman, Rep. Westerman knows firsthand the economic, social and conservation benefits that outdoor recreation activities like recreational fishing provide to the nation. He understands that conservation policies should be science-based and allow for wise and sustainable use of our natural resources. We believe that Rep. Westerman is the right choice to lead this Committee because of his deep understanding of the most pressing issues facing our nation's natural resources, and because he is principled, well-respected and able to getting things done."" – Glenn Hughes, President, American Sportfishing Association

""On behalf of the millions of Americans who enjoy marine recreational fishing and boating, I write to express our ardent support for Congressman Bruce Westerman to be the next Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources. It is imperative we have a strong leader in conservation and supporter of outdoor recreation as the Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. Congressman Westerman is that leader."" – Jefferson Angers, President, Center for Sportfishing Policy

""Congratulations to Representative Westerman on being named ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee. We look forward to working with you and the rest of the members on fighting for sportsmen and women and promoting conservation across the country."" – Safari Club International

""Western Energy Alliance is proud to support Congressman Westerman for Natural Resources Committee leadership, as we have worked with him for several years on the committee and with the Congressional Western Caucus. We very much appreciate his support for responsible oil and natural gas development on public lands; he understands what it takes to manage forests and other public lands effectively to maintain the balance between resources and environmental protection. We're excited at the prospect of committee leadership with direct expertise and academic credentials in natural resources and forestry."" – Kathleen Sgamma, President, Western Energy Alliance

""Since being elected to represent Arkansas' fourth Congressional district, Bruce has consistently proven himself a leader within the House Committee on Natural Resources. As a member of the Board of Directors of the National Park Foundation, as well as the American Battlefield Trust and a number of other groups related to historic preservation, I sincerely appreciate his commitment and leadership to the recently enacted Great American Outdoors Act. I look forward to continuing to work with him on our shared priorities during the 117th Congress, and wholeheartedly endorse him as the next top Republican of the House Committee on Natural Resources."" – John L. Nau III, President and CEO, Silver Eagle Distributors L.P.

""Congratulations to Congressman Westerman for being chosen to lead his peers on the Natural Resources Committee. His forestry background and knowledge of unique public lands issues has always been a great benefit to livestock producers who rely on sound land management policy. He knows that ranchers and farmers are good stewards of our nation's resources and he knows how important it is that these farmers and ranchers are involved in the policy-making process. We are thrilled to continue working with him as he steps into this new leadership role."" – Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director, Public Lands Council

""AWC extends its congratulations to Representative Westerman for his victory as the new Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. As the sole forester in the House, his leadership makes him the right person to lead the committee in the coming years."" – American Wood Council

""Congratulations to my good friend Bruce Westerman on being named the Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member! Arkansas and the entire country will benefit from his forestry expertise and wisdom."" – Tim Griffin, Arkansas Lieutenant Governor",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-selected-republican-leader-committee-natural-resources,Westerman Selected as Republican Leader for Committee on Natural Resources,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, the Republican Conference ratified the House Republican Steering Committee's ranking member recommendations for the 117th Congress. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) will be the next Republican leader for the House Committee on Natural Resources. Westerman issued the following statement in response:

""I'm incredibly honored and humbled that my colleagues chose me to be the next lead Republican on the House Natural Resources Committee.All my life, I've been passionate about natural resources. From learning to hunt and fish as a child, to using my engineering skills to design natural resources manufacturing facilities, to serving as the only licensed forester in Congress, to working on the Natural Resources Committee my whole tenure, I believe my life experience has uniquely equipped me for the role of ranking member. Conservatives have a rich history of leading in conservation, and this committee will continue to be a battleground for energy and environmental issues. I believe we can lead the way on showing the world how market-based conservation allows our economy and environment to thrive simultaneously. I can't wait to get started.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8102,Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Seventh Report,2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Seventh Report 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      WASHINGTON D.C.  The members of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Commission have published their seventh report. It is available for review here.The Commission's six previous reports are also available for review at the Congressional Oversight Commission's website. The Congressional Oversight Commission is a five-person panel that was established by the CARES Act. The Commission is focused specifically on the economic stabilization efforts of the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. The members of the commission are Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-Fla.), Congressman French Hill (R-Ark.), and Bharat Ramamurti. The Commission's chairperson has not been appointed yet.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8078,Hill Statement on Janet Yellen’s Nomination to Serve as Secretary of the Treasury Department,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Little Rock, Ark.  Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement about former Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen's nomination to lead the Treasury Department by Vice President Joe Biden:By way of public policy leadership and experience, Janet Yellen is well qualified to be nominated as Treasury Secretary. In her final two years as Federal Reserve chair, I found her forthright and focused. In office, she will confront a global economic crisis brought about by COVID-19. If confirmed, she must be a voice for policies that ensure that the American economy continues its return to pre-pandemic strength. Large tax burden increases on hard working taxpayers, businesses, and entrepreneurs will slow the recovery, as will a growing tangle of new Washington mandates and regulations. Her second significant challenge will be the insatiable appetite of those left of center policy makers to demand that only the federal government can solve all social and economic problems by spending ever more taxpayer money. As she must lead on growth, Dr. Yellen must also lead the administration's return to responsible post-pandemic federal budgets. Finally, as a former chair of the Federal Reserve, hers can be a voice of constraint from the calls for the Fed to abandon its focused dual mandate of price stability and full employment, and instead, lend money directly to states and municipalities, become a sort of climate police' or find no limit to the government debt it can acquire.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8101,Hill Statement on COVID-19 Emergency Lending Funds,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Statement on COVID-19 Emergency Lending Funds 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Little Rock, Ark.  Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement about Secretary Mnuchin's proposed idea that small businesses receive direct support from the Treasury Department:I applaud the Federal Reserve's quick response in providing emergency market liquidity in March; and their collaboration with the U.S. Treasury to structure the facilities authorized under section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act that served as a critical backstop for our financial markets, local governments and businesses up and down Main Street. Over the last eight difficult months, our country has adapted and learned to cope with COVID-19 at home, at school and in operating our businesses in the midst of a global pandemic. The current economic rebound and the resilient capital markets are evidence of that. The additional 13(3) facilities set up as a result of the CARES Act funding operated as they were designed. As those facilities wind down and the funding is potentially reallocated by Congress to support targeted needs, I am certain that existing core exchange stabilization funds (ESF) are available to provide market liquidity. Congress stands ready to act on additional ESF funding and authority for the Treasury as economic conditions warrant.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8069,French Hill Op-Ed: Dems Should Work With GOP to Expand Apprenticeship,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"French Hill Op-Ed: Dems Should Work With GOP to Expand Apprenticeship 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      French Hill Op-Ed: Dems Should Work With GOP to Expand Apprenticeship

    
        
            
        
    


  
11/23/2020  
RealClear MarketsThere are millions of jobs in the United States that remain unfilled because employers struggle to find applicants with the skills required for certain positions. Apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning are tailored to help shrink the jobs gap in the U.S. because they offer American workers the opportunity to succeed without being tied to large sums of student debt.  [Read Full Article]
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8051,"ICYMI: Rep. Hill Op-Ed in Washington Examiner: Democrats should work with, not against, Republicans to expand apprenticeship programs",2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Ahead of the vote regarding H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) spoke out in theWashington Examiner, highlighting in an op-ed how the legislation fails to include House Republicans' push for employer-driven innovation and new models for apprenticeship programs.The full op-ed is copied below.


    
        
            
        
    



Democrats should work with, not against, Republicans to expand apprenticeship programs
Washington Examiner  
By: Congressman French Hill  
November 20, 2020There are millions of jobs in the United States that remain unfilled because employers struggle to find applicants with the skills required for certain positions. Apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning are tailored to help shrink the jobs gap in the U.S. because they offer American workers the opportunity to succeed without being tied to large sums of student debt. As a former community banker and former chairman of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, I understand that business owners and entrepreneurs know best what skills their employees need to excel in the workplace. Five years ago, I started the bipartisan Congressional Skilled American Workforce Caucus with Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Detroit to promote increased skilled workforce training. Rather than modernizing the apprenticeship system, House Democrats rejected an offer from Republicans that would embrace employer-led innovation and new models for apprenticeship programs. As written, the National Apprenticeship Act closes pathways for students and job seekers by making the existing apprenticeship system, which was created during the Great Depression, the only option. In Fiscal Year 2019, 252,000 individuals entered apprenticeships, and only 81,000 graduated from the registered system. Clearly, there is room to improve the existing system, make space for employer-led innovation, and get more Americans back to work. During committee consideration of this bill, Republicans proposed a substitute amendment that would empower job creators through flexibility. Using the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act framework, Republicans have embraced new models that would promote employer-driven innovation and new, dynamic apprenticeship programs, rather than perpetuating the flaws and rigidity of the current system. By choosing to reject extending federal funding to Industry Recognized-Apprenticeship Programs, House Democrats have curbed the momentum of bipartisan reform efforts. In doing so, liberal and progressive lawmakers have impeded the ability of the Department of Labor to provide more Americans access to quality apprenticeship opportunities. In its present form, the National Apprenticeship Act burdens job creators with overly prescriptive requirements and time-consuming paperwork. The restrictive nature of the Democrats' bill discourages new and small businesses from participating in the registered apprenticeship program and in general, puts job-generating programs in jeopardy. Congress should encourage innovation in the apprenticeship space instead of doubling down on a flawed approach for businesses and job seekers. COVID-19 has presented significant challenges for employers and left millions of Americans still without employment. We must seek solutions that get Americans back to work and revitalize our struggling industries. To accomplish this, we must cut, not add, the bureaucratic red tape that currently inhibits both sides of the employment process. We cannot allow partisan differences to limit job creation opportunities for our employers and workers  especially during this health and economic crisis. Republicans object to the bill under consideration, but we agree on the underlying need to provide jobs for our citizens. Speaker Nancy Pelosi had the opportunity to create a modernized, bipartisan piece of legislation that reworks an important program to meet the needs of current and future Americans, but instead, the bill that we will consider today is more of the same. As members of Congress, our duty is to help hardworking families across our nation, and we must not lose sight of that focus. While the registered apprenticeship system has traditionally played a major role in our national workforce development system, it remains inadequate. Instead of trying to reform the system, we must reimagine the apprenticeship model with a focus on innovation and flexibility. This will get more Americans back to work and provide our people with promising employment opportunities for years to come. My Republican colleagues and I will continue to work towards this goal and renew the American dream.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8055,Hill Votes Against Limits on Job Opportunities for Arkansans,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Votes Against Limits on Job Opportunities for Arkansans 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        November 20, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C.Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) joined his Republican colleagues in voting againstH.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020. While this legislation would expand the national apprenticeship system to include apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship programs registered under the National Apprenticeship Act, it fails to include House Republicans' push for employer-driven innovation and new models for apprenticeship programs.In its current form, the National Apprenticeship Act limits job growth by imposing bureaucratic hurdles into the apprenticeship process. While both Democrats and Republicans agree that we need to provide good jobs to the American people, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Leadership have refused to consider common-sense reforms to the registered apprenticeship program, and this type of partisan showmanship has greatly limited the momentum towards a solution with Arkansas families are paying the price,said Rep. Hill.While this system has historically driven workforce development, it requires modernization with a focus on innovation and flexibility to best serve the current and future needs of our citizens. To address the flaws of the current system, Republicans built on the framework of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and have proposed new, dynamic programs that promote employer-driven innovation. I urge my Democratic colleagues to reconsider their partisan stance and embrace this opportunity to provide lasting benefits to all Americans. Earlier today, theWashington Examinerpublishedan op-ed from Rep. Hilldetailing the flaws in the House Democrats' proposed legislation.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8048,"Hill Legislation Honoring Civil Rights Icon, Scipio Jones, Passes Senate",2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act, which allows a portrait of civil rights champion Scipio Jones to be displayed in the Little Rock post office bearing his name.
""I am proud to announce that, last night, the Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act passed the Senate and is headed to the president's desk to becomelaw. I introduced this bill because it became evident to me that it was going to take a literal act of Congress' to direct that a portrait of one of Arkansas's and the nation's most important civil rights champions to hang in the post office bearing his name. I am proud of this accomplishment on behalf of the people of central Arkansas, and I am grateful to my Arkansas colleagues in the House for their support in attaining unanimous approval of this bill in the House. And; I appreciate the work of Senators Boozman and Cotton for partnering with me to introduce the companion bill in the Senate. I know that generations of Arkansans will enjoy the visual reminder of Scipio Jones' important role in American history.""
About Scipio Jones
Scipio Africanus Jones, who was born to an enslaved person in 1863, attended Walden Seminary (now Philander Smith College) and then attended Bethel Institute (now Shorter College), earning his bachelor's degree in 1885. In 1889, Jones passed the bar and was admitted to practice before theSupreme Court of Arkansasin 1900 and by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1905.
After the horrific massacre of Black Americans in Elaine, Arkansas, in 1919, he defended 12 wrongly-accused Black men who had been charged with murder and condemned by all-white juries.
Despite its being described as a ""race riot,"" most of the victims were Black and most of the aggressors were white. With his clients already facing execution, Jones fought their convictions in both state and federal courts. An appeal was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that the accused had been denied due process of law. After reviewing the case, the Supreme Court agreed and overturned the convictions.Moore v. Dempseychanged the nature of the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause. The ruling allowed for federal courts to hear and examine evidence in state criminal cases to ensure that the defendants' constitutional rights were protected. It was a landmark ruling that sought to ensure that those accused of a crime had received due process.
AboutH.R. 3317, Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act
In 2007, the House passed legislation to name the post office located at 1700 Main Street in Little Rock, Arkansas, after Jones.
Today, a plaque at the post office bears his name, but post office regulations restrict the items that can be placed on display.
On June 18, 2019, Rep. Hill introduced legislation to allow a full-sized portrait of Scipio Jones to be on display at the post office in Little Rock which bears his name. Funds for the portrait will be raised privately and no taxpayer money will be spent on the artwork. The legislation passed the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on December 19, 2019, passed the full House on February 5, 2020, and passed the Senate on November 18, 2020.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-2020-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Westerman Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winners,2020-11-12,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) hosted a virtual reception announcing the winners of the Congressional App Challenge. Westerman issued the following statement:

""I look forward to the Congressional App Challenge every year as a way to showcase the incredible talent of Fourth District students. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet with them in person this year due to COVID-19, but I'm glad we still got to hold the reception virtually so I could congratulate them on all their hard work. It's always difficult to pick a winner!""

Background

The Congressional App Challenge is an annual event in which middle and high school students across the country design and code their own original apps. The winning team from each congressional district is honored at an event in Washington, D.C., where they present their apps to attendees.

This year, the Fourth District received 14 submissions from students, and the winners were announced this evening during a virtual event held on Zoom.

The 2020 Fourth District top five teams are:

First Place: Jacob Heffington, from Hot Springs High School, with his app, ""Hot Springs District COVID-19 Screening.""

Second Place (tie): Claire Green, Shawn Chen, Eric Fluke and Yibling Hu, from Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts (ASMSA), with their app, ""Capstone Coach.""

Second Place (tie): Elle Stokes, from Dardanelle High School, with her app, ""everyBODY.""

Third Place: Alexandra Flores, Mikey Gatica, Allisandro Perez and Arielis Rodriguez, from Dardanelle High School, with their app, ""AR4U.""

Fourth Place: David Clark, Soumya Chauhan, Pierce Hickey and Steven Lynch, from ASMSA, with their app, ""Terra-Aid.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8023,Hill Honors Local Central Arkansas Businesses for Efforts to Hire Veterans,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Honors Local Central Arkansas Businesses for Efforts to Hire Veterans 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Little Rock, Ark,
        November 10, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      Little Rock, Ark.Today, Rep. French Hill congratulated Arkansas companies Safe Foods Corporation, Windstream Holdings Inc., Bio-Tech Pharmacal, WPS Labor, LLC, and MST Group LLC, all winners of the HIRE Vets Medallion. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act) established the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, the only federal program that recognizes and honors job creators for their investments in recruiting, employing, and retaining our nation's veterans.From storming the beaches of Normandy to enlisting in the military after the Twin Towers fell, our veterans have honorably served our nation and deserve respect and gratitude. I recognize the employers right here in central Arkansas for hiring, retaining, and supporting military veterans, including Safe Foods Corporation, Windstream Holdings Inc., Bio-Tech Pharmacal, WPS Labor, LLC, and MST Group LLC, and I congratulate them not only for winning the HIRE Vets Medallion but also for strengthening our community.""
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8010,Hill Applauds the Advancement of the Mayflower Overpass Project,2020-11-04,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Little Rock, Ark. Today, after the Arkansas Department of Transportation opened bids for the Mayflower Overpass as part of their November letting, Congressman Hill released the following joint statement with Mayflower Mayor Randy Holland:I am pleased that bids are being considered for the Mayflower Overpass. This a big step toward a safer Mayflower, as well as facilitating growth and anchoring Mayflower to the Cabot Highway 89 corridor,said Congressman Hill.I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Randy Holland, the Arkansas Department of Transportation, and local leaders on this important infrastructure project. ""This project has been in the works for many years and I am so excited that it is now becoming a reality. The overpass will provide much needed public safety and will boost Economic Development Growth for the community. It will change Mayflower for the better, forever,""said Mayor Holland.""I want to thank Congressman French Hill, Metroplan, and Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker for their support.""

    
        
            
        
    



Background on the Mayflower Highway 89 Overpass:
After completion, Highway 89 will establish a corridor to better assist with the traffic flow, help first responders better respond to emergencies at locations that are currently difficult to access, and help boost central Arkansas's economy.
The construction of the overpass will increase the flow of traffic over the railroad. The current railroad crossing is a safety hazard as it blocks traffic, including emergency vehicles, for nearly an hour at times.
Project Timeline:
July 24, 2018: The Mayflower City Council passed Resolution 2018-09, granting the City of Mayflower a partnership with Metroplan, ArDOT, and Faulkner County to finance the construction of the Hwy 89 railroad overpass realignment.
July 17, 2018: The Faulkner County Quorum Court passed Resolution 18-04, appropriating funds to begin construction of the Highway 89 railroad overpass realignment. Along with Faulkner County, ArDOT and Metroplan will also finance part of the project, drastically reducing Mayflower's share.
April 6th, 2018: The AHTD held a public hearing to discuss three options for the Highway 89 Improvement Project, and the location of the railroad overpass. Three alternatives were presented, with one alternative recommended by the AHTD.
Public input and comments were collected at the hearings until Friday, May 5th, 2017.
The handouts from the meeting, as well as the input form, can be found below, or atarkansashighways.com.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7980,Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Sixth Report,2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Sixth Report 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Little Rock, Ark,
        October 30, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      Little Rock, Ark. The members of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Commission have published their sixth report.It is available for review here.
The Commission's five previous reports are also available for review at theCongressional Oversight Commission's website. The Congressional Oversight Commission is a five-person panel that was established by the CARES Act. The Commission is focused specifically on the economic stabilization efforts of the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. The members of the commission are Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-Fla.), Congressman French Hill (R-Ark.), and Bharat Ramamurti. The Commission's chairperson has not been appointed yet.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-hosts-doi-deputy-secretary-macgregor,Westerman Hosts DOI Deputy Secretary MacGregor,2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) hosted Department of the Interior Deputy Secretary Katherine MacGregor in the Fourth District of Arkansas.

""The Natural State has millions of acres of federal land, and it's important that we maintain it properly to ensure it stays rich and beautiful for generations to come,"" Westerman said. ""The Interior Department plays a big role in these conservation efforts, which is why I was so glad to host Deputy Secretary MacGregor in my district for the day. We had great conversations on how Congress and the Interior Department can work together on using our resources well. We were also able to highlight the Pledge to America's Workers initiative, since opportunities on Lake Ouachita and across Arkansas' public lands provide insights on American-made jobs supporting the outdoor recreation industry. I'm grateful to Deputy Secretary MacGregor for taking the time to come to Arkansas, and I hope to use our discussions to craft policy on the federal level.""

""President Trump has made a commitment to foster the greatest economy in the world,"" MacGregor said. ""With so many small businesses hit hard by this pandemic, it was inspiring to watch SeaArk join the ranks of over 450 business who have pledged over 16 million education and training opportunities for America's workers over the next five years.""

Background

Westerman and MacGregor visited several sites in Hot Springs and the surrounding area. Their first stop was on the Pullman Trail, which opened June 24, 2020. This 0.65-mile trail connects hikers and mountain bikers from downtown Hot Springs to the Northwoods Trails through a section of Hot Springs National Park. A grant from the Walton Family Foundation supported development of the trail. The trail was constructed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association's (IMBA's) Trail Solutions crew, who also built Phase 1 of the Northwoods Trails and improved trails in Cedar Glades Park. With an ever-growing number of mountain biking trails around Arkansas, the Pullman Trail is a prime example of a public-private partnership working to improve visitor experience at our national parks and providing continued economic growth to the local community.

The group then toured Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs and attended a briefing on the Arkansas Career Development Center (ACTI) decommissioning. Hot Springs National Park Superintendent Laura Miller provided an overview of the park, highlighted the active forest management conducted to protect the watershed and community and gave an overview of the ACTI decommissioning.

Westerman and MacGregor later hosted a press conference at the Lake Ouachita Marina on the Pledge to America's Workers initiative, where SeaArk CEO Steve Henderson and Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst discussed the recreational opportunities on the lake and why American-made jobs are so important. To watch the full press conference, click here.

Finally, the day concluded at the Mona Lisa mine, operated by Avant Mining. Workers at the mine recently discovered the largest American turquoise nugget on record, and the mine is situated on National Forest Service land with leased Bureau of Land Management subsurface. The tour highlighted an active quartz operation on federal land, and examined several unique specimens discovered by the Avant Mining Company.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8009,ICYMI: Rep. Hill Op-Ed in Saline Courier: Our Commitment to America,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Little Rock, Ark.Wednesday, theSaline Courierfeatured Rep. French Hill's op-ed highlighting House Republican's Commitment to America plan, which willrestore our way of life, rebuild the greatest economy in history, and renew the American dream. This plan will benefit our nation for generations to come.  
The full op-ed is copied below.


    
        
            
        
    


Our Commitment to America
Saline Courier
By: Congressman French Hill  

Every day, I hear from restaurant owners trying to stay in business, families with loved ones in senior living facilities struggling to remain connected, and parents and teachers balancing care and safety for our kids. Every Arkansan that I have spoken to wants common-sense solutions to the ongoing health and economic crisis affecting families across the state and nation. That is why Republican members joined together to produce our Commitment to America. It is a plan to restore our way of life, rebuild the greatest economy our nation has witnessed, and renew the American Dream for every American.First, we must restore our way of life by continuing to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. We will take steps to achieve this by tripling access to quick testing, and distributing proven FDA approved therapeutics and vaccines. We also will increase funding to our police by $1.7 billion for better police training, community policing, and the purchase of 500,000 additional police body cameras to ensure the safety and security of all communities. Second, we will rebuild our economy to its historic pre-pandemic levels by adding ten million well-paying jobs and increasing take-home pay, as well as utilizing proven pro-growth tax policies, including the $2,000 child tax credit and expansion of Opportunity Zones. We will also implement the recommendations of the China Task Force's Report, including my legislation to reform our medical supply chain and reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese manufacturing. By implementing these policies, we will both support the American worker and return our economy to its former prosperity. Thirdly, we will renew the American Dream for each and every citizen. This includes supporting the working American family by promoting opportunities for career and technical education and workforce training, investing in high-quality STEM programs, and providing more opportunities for parents to choose the best school for their child. In addition, and to honor the service of our veterans, we will fully fund the VA Choice healthcare program and expand GI benefits to cover short-term, online, and apprenticeship programs. This is our commitment to you, and by taking these steps, we will create a safe and prosperous nation for American workers and families. Our Commitment to America will not only reunite our country, but it will benefit our nation for generations to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7950,Hill Statement on Confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Statement on Confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Little Rock, Ark,
        October 26, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      Little Rock, Ark. Today, after the Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement:I applaud the Senate's quick action in confirming Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court. She is a well-qualified, experienced jurist with an exemplary understanding of the law. Furthermore, Judge Barrett will bring to the Court a fresh perspective as the first mother of school-aged children and the only current member from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in the Midwest. I have no doubt she will uphold our Constitution and will be the kind of Justice that will make all fair-minded Arkansans and Americans proud.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7917,Hill Recognized for Outstanding Support of Small Businesses,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. French Hill (AR-02) was named Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). Specifically, NFIB highlighted Rep Hill's legislative work and strong voting record in support of key issues for small businesses.

    
        
            
        
    


  
""I thank the NFIB for its recognition of my strong record supporting policies to spur small business growth across Arkansas and the nation,""said Rep. Hill.""As a life-long entrepreneur and 16 years of running a locally owned business in Arkansas, I know what our local job creators need and I am committed to helping them succeed. I appreciate the NFIB's work advocating on behalf of small businesses and the millions who are employed by them.""The NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is awarded to lawmakers who small businesses can truly count on,said Kevin Kuhlman, NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations.These Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are dedicated supporters of the key issues that our members are concerned about and have proven themselves to be real champions for small business. Our policy positions are driven by our members, and we report NFIB Key Votes back to our membership. We are proud to recognize Congressman French Hill for earning this distinction in the 116th Congress by taking pro-small business votes supporting financial assistance programs and tax relief and opposing new regulations and increased labor costs. Small business owners across the country need their support now more than ever during these unprecedented times, and we are grateful to Congressman Hill for his leadership. Congressman Hill is one of the most effective leaders in Congress on all matters relating to business, particularly small and growing businesses,""said Randy Zook,President and Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas.""His banking career prepared him well to understand the challenges this vital sector of our economy must deal with regarding government rules and regulations. We need him in Congress to help other members understand the impact of legislation on employment prospects and economic development opportunities. ""It comes as no surprise that Congressman Hill has been chosen to receive the NIFB's Guardian of Small Business Award,""said Wayne Miller,Executive Director of the Venture Center.""The community that works with and surrounds The Arkansas Venture Center has seen first hand the commitment and dedication that Congressman Hill continues to demonstrate through his concern and legislative efforts for the benefit of small businesses. Congressman Hill understands the critical role that these businesses play in our nation's economy and the results of his efforts, particularly at this difficult time for small businesses, are far-reaching. Congratulations Congressman Hill - well deserved! "" I can't think of a stronger guardian for entrepreneurs and small business owners than Congressman Hill,said Jeff Standridge, Managing Director of the Conductor.""He deeply understands the role entrepreneurs and small business owners play in contributing to our communities, generating intellectual property, and creating jobs. Not only does he understand that role, but he is also actively and continuously engaged with the business community to better understand how policy and legislation can help to remove barriers and catalyze growth.
 Background The NFIB created the Guardian of Small Business Award, which is the most prestigious honor that NFIB gives, to showcase the Members of Congress who support small business issues. The National Federation of Independent Business advocates for the rights of small and independent business owners across state capitals and the Washington D.C. area. They are a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven organization that is the voice of small businesses across the country. The NFIB represents the rights and interests of its members and is dedicated to domestic independent businesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7918,ICYMI: Rep. Hill Op-Ed in La Opinión Newspaper En medio de la crisis económica y de salud de Covid-19,2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week,La Opinin Newspaperfeatured Rep. French Hill's op-ed about specific resources that his office has been providing to help Arkansans get back on their feet during the COVID-19 pandemic.Rep. Hill has spoken with central Arkansas families, small businesses, veterans, and local government officials about addressing the negative impacts of the coronavirus. He is committed to ensuring that all Arkansans receive the help they need to make it through this ongoing public health and economic crisis.  
 The full op-ed is copied below. An English translation can be foundHERE.

La Opinin Newspaper
By: Congressman French Hill  

En medio de la crisis econmica y de salud de COVID-19, como su congresista, reconozco que muchos residentes de Central Arkansas estn luchando con los pagos econmicos y encontrando recursos para sus necesidades. Si usted o alguien que conoce se ha visto afectado por la crisis econmica y de salud, mi oficina est disponible para brindarle recursos y servicios que pueden ser de ayuda.Durante los ltimos meses, he estado en comunicacin con propietarios de negocios pequeos, veteranos, expertos en salud y funcionarios del gobierno local sobre las necesidades de los habitantes de Arkansas. Es por eso que apoy la Ley CARES ACT, un proyecto de ley bipartidista que brinda alivio financiero a las familias y negocios de Arkansas. En los ltimos meses, a travs del Programa de Proteccin de Cheques de Pago (Paycheck Protection Program) proporcionado por la Ley CARES Act, he ayudado a 40,000 habitantes de Arkansas a obtener $3.28 billones en ayuda. Para obtener ms informacin sobre los servicios y programas proporcionados por la Ley, visiteHill.House.Gov. Desde el comienzo de la pandemia de COVID-19, he ayudado a los habitantes del Central Arkansas a obtener $300 mil en declaraciones de impuestos. Adicionalmente, el Servicio de Impuestos Internos (Internal Revenue Services; IRS) continuar buscando formas para que las personas elegibles reciban sus Pagos de Impacto Economico (Economic Impact Payments; EIP). Las personas elegibles pueden verificar el estado de sus pagos utilizando el portal Get My Payment enIRS.Gov. Mi oficina estar ms que feliz de responder a cualquier pregunta que pueda tener sobre los requisitos y la asistencia para recibir su EIP. Los veteranos que buscan informacin sobre cmo la pandemia de COVID-19 afecta su salud con el Sistema de Atencin Mdica para Veteranos de Central Arkansas pueden visitar su sitio web para obtener ms informacin sobre las opciones de atencin, informacin sobre el re-abastecimiento de recetas y otros servicios. Los veteranos que buscan ms informacin sobre COVID-19 pueden llamar a la lnea directa de informacin de CAVHS al 1-888-357-1978, o enla pgina de informacin de COVID-19de VA. Mi oficina est lista para servirle en todo lo que podamos. Con confianza, llamar a mi oficina al (501) 324-5941.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7906,Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Fifth Report,2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Fifth Report 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Little Rock, Ark,
        October 16, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      The members of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Commission have published their fifth report.It is available for review here.
The Commission's four previous reports are also available for review at theCongressional Oversight Commission's website.
Last month, the Congressional Oversight Commission hosted its second public hearing, examining the Municipal Liquidity Facility.You may watch the hearing here.
The Congressional Oversight Commission is a five-person panel that was established by the CARES Act. The Commission is focused specifically on the economic stabilization efforts of the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. The members of the commission are Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-Fla.), Congressman French Hill (R-Ark.), and Bharat Ramamurti. The Commission's chairperson has not been appointed yet.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7907,Hill Awards Golden Fleece Award to the Department of Commerce for Mishandling Tariff Exclusion Requests,2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. French Hill (AR-02) named theDepartment of Commerce as the latest recipient of the Golden Fleece Awardfornot giving American businesses a meaningful opportunity to appeal burdensome tariffs.According to arecentGovernment Accountability Office (GAO)report,the Department of Commerce rejected 19,000exclusionrequestsdue to submission errors.Commerceofficials have notclarifiedwhat caused these submission errors, which hasimpactedthousands of businesses in the U.S.In addition,according to the report, Commerce has not met timeliness guidelines for96% of exclusion requestswith objections.By failing to provide adequate measuresforbusinessesseeking to avoidSection 232 tariffs, the Department of Commerce hasfailed to assistthese companiesand hasconsequentlyhurttheAmerican economy,said Rep. Hill.Commerceofficials must be more transparentin the informationtheyrequire for exclusion requests, and they must also respond to businessexclusionrequests in a more timelymanner to ensure that future transactions are fairto all businesses who submit these requests. In the letter to Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, Rep. Hill wrote:

TheHonorableWilburRoss
Secretary
U.S.DepartmentofCommerce
1401ConstitutionAveNW
Washington,DC20230-0001 Dear Secretary Ross:
I write today to inform you that your agency is the most recent recipient of my Golden Fleece Award. I am awarding the Golden Fleece to the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) for having a deficient exclusion request process for businesses requesting to be excluded from having to pay Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (Section 232 tariffs).
According to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), of the 106,000 Section 232 tariff exclusion requests received, Commerce rejected over 19,000 of them prior to decision due to incorrect or incomplete information. Although rejections may delay relief for requesters and can increase work for Commerce, the agency has not identified, analyzed, or taken steps to fully address the causes of these submission errors.""
Further, Commerce did not meet timeliness guidelines for approximately 79 percent of steel and 72 percent of aluminum requests, and [n]inety-six percent of exclusion requests with objections did not meet timeliness guidelines compared with 75 percent of exclusion requests without objections.""
In addition to the deficiencies in the exclusion requests process, the GAO was unable to determine whether Commerce conducted any regular reviews of the tariffs' impacts, and agency officials were unable to produce documentation containing the results of any reviews.""
It is unacceptable that Commerce did not have adequate measures to ensure companies that were negatively impacted by the Section 232 tariffs received timely or consistent decisions for their exclusion requests. Further, Commerce's lack of adequate reporting on the economic impact of these tariffs is concerning. This inadequacy demonstrates how the administration's economic decisions impact American companies, including those in Arkansas, without fully understanding the potential negative or even positive impacts those policies may have on the American economy. I encourage Commerce to implement GAO's recommendations and ensure that future tariff exclusion processes are fair and transparent.
Should you require any additional authority from Congress to address these concerns, I urge you to notify us as soon as possible. I thank you for your consideration and look forward to working with you to address this important issue. Sincerely,
French Hill
Member of Congress To view the letter, clickHERE. About the Golden Fleece Award Every year, Congress appropriates trillions of dollars to fund the federal government, and every year the federal government wastes portions of these funds in unconscionable ways. In an attempt to increase accountability for every single government program, Congressman Hill decided to bring back the Golden Fleece Award. Originally introduced by Democratic U.S. Senator from Wisconsin William Proxmire in March 1975, the Golden Fleece Award was a monthly bulletin on the most frivolous and wasteful uses of hardworking taxpayers' dollars. The Golden Fleece Award became a staple in the U.S. Senate during this time, and Senator Robert Byrd once stated that the awards were as much a part of the Senate as quorum calls and filibusters. In reviving this idea, the Golden Fleece Award will again have the opportunity to serve as an important reminder to taxpayers about the need for necessary, commonsense reforms to our federal spending.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-crawford-and-leaders-of-the-us-agricultural-sector-meet-with-iica-director-general-manuel-otero-and-endorse-the-food-security-agency-of-the-hemisphere-s-drive-for-science-based-policies-globally,Congressman Crawford and Leaders of the US Agricultural Sector Meet with IICA Director General Manuel Otero And Endorse the Food Security Agency of the Hemisphere’s Drive for Science Based Policies Globally,2020-10-15,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"San José, October 15, 2020 (IICA). Congressman Rick Crawford, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Ken Isley, Staff members from Congressional offices of Senators Joni Ernst, Mike Braun, and John Boozman, and leaders from virtually every sector of American agriculture participated in a virtual roundtable with Director General Manuel Otero of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The active roundtable discussed issues important to U.S. agricultural trade, as well as ensuring food security, and national security in the Hemisphere.

Jaime Castañeda, Senior Vice President of Policy Strategy and Trade and Executive Director of the U.S. Dairy Export Council kicked off the roundtable, remarking ""USDEC values its collaboration with IICA because of our shared values for science-based policies, inclusiveness and active partnership in the Americas. IICA plays a critical role in the dissemination of valuable and applicable information while promoting agriculture and rural development in the region. The world, but in particular the Americas benefit greatly from IICA efforts to promote these values in International Organizations were foreign interests to the Americas are pushing non-science based principles.""

""I appreciate IICA's efforts to promote science-based policies and standards in the Western Hemisphere, while also driving innovation for agricultural development and international trade,"" said Congressman Rick Crawford.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-trillion-trees-executive-order,What They Are Saying: Trillion Trees Executive Order,2020-10-14,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the United States interagency council of the Trillion Trees Initiative. In Congress, 36 members have cosponsored U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman's (R-Ark.) Trillion Trees Act, which would codify the executive order and implement sound forest management practices in the U.S.

""This executive order is yet another example of President Trump and his administration taking action to protect our environment and promote healthy reforestation efforts across the world. The newly created interagency council, paired with House Republicans' Trillion Trees Act and multiple other efforts on this front, will strengthen the United States' commitment to the One Trillion Trees Initiative and further solidify our position as a leader in advancing healthy forests. More urgently, it is my hope that this widespread support for pursuing healthy forests will lead to bipartisan legislative action at all levels of the government, especially in my home state of California, so that we can control and mitigate the increasingly devastating wildfires by attacking the root cause that is improper forest management."" - U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)

""I strongly support the Trillion Trees Initiative, and this Executive Order from President Trump solidifies the U.S. commitment to healthier forests and cleaner air. As we work in Congress to promote active, responsible management of our public lands and working forests through legislation like Rep. Westerman's Trillion Trees Act, I look forward to collaborating with the One Trillion Trees Interagency Council, conserving our precious natural resources, and promoting the world's most recognized carbon sequestration method: planting more trees.""– U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.)

""I applaud President Trump for creating the United States Interagency Council of the Trillion Trees Initiative. Climate change is real and one important solution we should be focused on is right in our backyards. Right now in Georgia, we are working every day to make a significant impact on bringing down carbon emissions. According to the Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia is the number one forestry state in the nation. Our state is number one in commercially available timberland, number one in annual timber harvest volume, the number one exporter of pulp and paper products, the number one exporter of wood fuel, and the number one exporter of wood pellets. The State of Georgia and the Georgians who work on forestland are the lungs of our nation and I am glad the Initiative will be working to expand this work to make our air cleaner and world greener."" – U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.)

""President Trump's executive order confirms what the early pioneers of Nebraska knew almost 100 years ago when they planted one million trees; that trees are vital to our environment because they help with water conservation, reverse the impacts of land degradation, and provide energy. Now studies are showing how trees can help reduce excess carbon by storing it. In fact, it is estimated that planting half a trillion trees could reduce atmospheric carbon by approximately 25 percent."" – U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.)

""Wildfires, as we have been tragically reminded this summer, pose a large threat to Oregon's communities and forests. I've often said that when fires do occur we should get in and remove the burned, dead trees and replant our forests for future generations. That's why I was proud to join Congressman Bruce Westerman and Leader Kevin McCarthy earlier this year to introduce the One Trillion Trees Act. We know that trees excel at carbon capture and sequestration. Research out of Switzerland has shown that planting one trillion trees across the world could sequester at least the last decade's worth of carbon emissions, potentially more. President Trump's Executive Order establishing the One Trillion Trees Interagency Council advances these efforts and is good news for our forests and the environment."" – U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.)

""Strong and healthy forests protect communities from wildfire, reduce carbon emissions, provide critical habitat and provide for great outdoor recreation opportunities. The announcement of a Trillion Trees federal council by President Trump illustrates his commitment to ensuring our federal forests are healthy and resilient. Congress now must act to pass comprehensive forestry reforms, like the Trillion Trees Act, to make sure that our forests are healthy for generations to come not just to protect our communities but to improve our nation and the world."" – U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)

""Grateful to President Trump for taking action on this important initiative for carbon sequestration. It is true that the most advanced carbon capture is in our backyards, and participating in this sensible solution will improve and preserve our environment, and be powerful for the economy and American forestry."" – U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.)

""I'm an original cosponsor of the Trillion Trees Act, so it's great to know Congress has the support of President Trump and his administration in this effort. We all recognize the importance of taking care of our environment, but we need responsible federal action that encourages private-sector solutions not burdensome regulations, and establishing the United States One Trillion Trees Interagency Council is an important step forward."" – U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.)

""Trees can help solve the challenge of carbon pollution while lending great beauty to the places we live, work, and visit. Planting a trillion trees worldwide is a straightforward, practical way to benefit our environment, which is why I cosponsored Congressman Westerman's Trillion Trees Act. I applaud President Trump's executive order advancing the Trillion Trees Initiative as another step toward this important goal."" – U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.)

""Colleagues from both sides of the aisle are lending their support to the Trillion Trees Act, demonstrating its tremendous potential to combat our changing climate, conserve our natural resources, and facilitate growth in environments nationwide. In Ohio's 15th District alone, the President's executive order will make a difference for the Wayne National Forest, and a number of state parks including the Lake Alma State Park, Hocking Hills, and Old Man's Cave. These forests and woodlands produce recreational opportunities for every family, and putting these resources to work in the effort to remove carbon from our atmosphere will deliver positive economic and social benefits for generations to come.""– U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7886,Hill Applauds Loan Forgiveness Policy for Small Businesses; Victory for Everyday Arkansans,2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Applauds Loan Forgiveness Policy for Small Businesses; Victory for Everyday Arkansans 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Little Rock, Ark,
        October 13, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) commended U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin and U.S. Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza for simplifying theloan forgiveness applicationfor Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling $50,000 or less.On behalf of Arkansas's small businesses and their workers, I thank Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza for simplifying the PPP loan forgiveness process. Based on feedback from both lenders and borrowers in central Arkansas, I have taken action for relief for our small businesses by urging a streamlined forgiveness process for loans including joining Congressman Luetkemeyer of Missouri in writing to Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza, joining with Southern Bancorp CEO Darrin Williams in a recentop-ed, and leading 54 of my colleagues in aletterto Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza. These actions are a step in the right direction, and I appreciate the commitment of Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza to Arkansas's small businesses. I look forward to working with them to find solutions to keep jobs and employers' doors open during these challenging times.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-applauds-trillion-trees-executive-order,Westerman Applauds Trillion Trees Executive Order,2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the United States interagency council of the Trillion Trees Initiative. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:

""A 2019 report from Swiss scientists estimated that planting 1 trillion trees globally would sequester the equivalent of two-thirds of all manmade carbon since the Industrial Revolution. Not only are trees powerful carbon sequestration devices, but they're also a renewable resource for buildings and other materials. This is why I introduced the bipartisan Trillion Trees Act in Congress, with the support of Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and many of my colleagues. It's time for America to take decisive action against carbon emissions. The Trillion Trees Act is that solution. It's bipartisan reform that we can implement today, not a radical, punitive proposal like the Green New Deal. President Trump has been an advocate of this idea from the start, and his executive order today further enables us to bring Congress and government agencies together in cooperation on this initiative. I look forward to continuing to work with the president, his administration and my colleagues in Congress on planting 1 trillion trees worldwide.""

Background

The only licensed forester in Congress, Westerman introduced the Trillion Trees Act in February 2020. The legislation currently has 36 cosponsors in the House of Representatives.

The bill has three parts:

Plant more trees in urban areas and on marginal agriculture land domestically while offering technical support and assistance for other countries to maximize forest growth internationally and reverse deforestation.

Grow more wood in existing forests and make them more resilient to insects, diseases and catastrophic wildfires.

Store more carbon by incentivizing innovative building practices with a sustainable building tax credit.

Trump announced the U.S. would be joining the global Trillion Trees Initiative during his annual State of the Union Address in February. More recently, he discussed the initiative during the first presidential debate. Westerman met with Ivanka Trump and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy at the White House in July to talk about both the global Trillion Trees Initiative and the congressional Trillion Trees Act, and what they both mean for American forestry.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7867,"Hill, Womack, Crawford, Westerman Request Change of Social Security Administration Policy Harming Arkansans",2020-10-08,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman French Hill (R-AR), Congressman SteveWomack (R-AR),CongressmanRick Crawford (R-AR), andCongressmanBruce Westerman (R-AR)sent a letterto the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Andrew Saul, urging changes to a policy requiring Arkansans to surrender their primary identification documents such as drivers' licenses for as much as thirty days in order to obtain a new copy of their Social Security card. The members are demanding action because Arkansans are being harmed by this policy by limiting the ability to drive to work or doctor's appointments and because in some instances these documents have been lost permanently.  
This current policy is counterproductive to the interests of central Arkansans,said Congressman Hill.This is forcing hardworking moms and dads to choose between violating state law and going without working or attending necessary appointments. A driver's license is necessary for a host of other operations as well, such as picking up vital medications. While it is important to protect our employees during the pandemic, this current policy has already had ramifications that have negatively impacted our community. Our federal agencies must take responsibility to amend this burdensome policy and generate a solution to this problem.
Helping Arkansans and providing constituent services is a core function of our offices. Residents have voiced concerns that currentSocialSecurityAdministration policies are hampering their ability to obtain needed documents without having their day-to-day lives limited,said Congressman Womack.By raising the matter, I am hopeful we can responsibly resolve the issue.

Like most employers, executive agencies were forced to quickly implement new telework policies. Unfortunately, a Social Security Administration policy that requires Arkansans to surrender their drivers' licenses in order to obtain Social Security cards is burdensome, especially for people responsible for transporting themselves and loved ones to essential destinations, saidCongressman Crawford.I hope the SSA will hear the Arkansas delegation's pleas for a reasonable policy change and quickly resolve this matter.
We've all had to make adjustments to our normal routines because of COVID-19, but requiring Arkansans to go for weeks without a drivers license is untenable,said Congressman Westerman.We're putting people in a difficult decision of having to choose between keeping their ID and receiving a replacement Social Security card, and I've already heard from some constituents that this is a problem for them. I'm glad to join my colleagues in raising awareness about this issue, and hope to work with the SSA to find a practical solution.

In theirletter, the Members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation wrote:
CommissionerAndrew Saul
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Blvd.
Woodlawn, MD 21207
Dear Commissioner Saul,
We write to request that you alter a policy of the Social Security Administration (SSA) that forces my constituents to choose between violating the laws of the State of Arkansas or forgo driving themselves to important destinations, such as to work or to the doctor.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the SSA is remote-only in Arkansas. Since the SSA requires that a driver's license be presented to apply for a replacement Social Security card, SSA officials in Arkansas are requiring individuals to mail their drivers licenses in for processing. While we appreciate the need for caution to protect employees, this requires my constituents to spend weeks without a driver's license or identification, which is not only inconvenient but in Arkansas it is also illegal to drive without a license on your person. Below are examples of real-life implications of this policy:
 
    A constituent married in Summer 2020 needs a Social Security card updated with her married name. She was required to submit the updated card to start her new job as a teacher.
 
 
    A grandmother recently adopted her grandkids, which changed the children's names. The grandmother must have Social Security cards with the children's updated names for ARKids insurance renewal. Without the updated Social Security cards, the children will not have health insurance.
 
 
    A recently naturalized U.S. citizen submitted his documents for a new Social Security card to reflect his citizen status. He provided his driver's license and naturalization certificate and received his Social Security card; however, the SSA office lost his driver's license and naturalization certificate. The SSA office told the constituent that they cannot track the documents and he must reapply for a naturalization certificate, which costs $500.
 
We ask that you find a workaround to this problem to ensure Arkansans are not further burdened. Sincerely, French Hill  
Member of Congress Rick Crawford  
Member of Congress Bruce Westerman  
Member of Congress Steve Womack  
Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/boozman-crawford-womack-applaud-usda-broadband-investment-in-arkansas,"Boozman, Crawford & Womack Applaud USDA Broadband Investment in Arkansas",2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2020

Contact: Boozman, Sara Lasure (Sara_Lasure@boozman.senate.gov)

Crawford, Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov)

Womack, Alexia Sikora (Alexia.Sikora@mail.house.gov)

Boozman, Crawford & Womack Applaud USDA Broadband Investment in Arkansas

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Steve Womack (AR-03), applauded the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) $11.8 million broadband investment in rural Arkansas. The members participated in a virtual event with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue where he announced funding will support three high-speed broadband infrastructure projects to improve rural broadband in Pope, Van Buren, Stone and Marion counties.

""I'm proud to support the ReConnect Program and advocate for Arkansas applicants who want to help strengthen rural infrastructure and close the digital divide. USDA's investment in our state will provide more homes, businesses and essential community services with reliable access to high-speed internet,"" said Boozman co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus.

""Reliable connectivity is now almost essential for work, education, and even healthcare access. I appreciate Secretary Perdue's continued support for rural America and his investment in these Arkansas communities. The future of North Central Arkansas – and the rest of rural America – is brighter because of this Administration,"" Crawford said.

""Connecting our rural communities to reliable, high-speed broadband has never been more important. These investments will provide internet services to Third District Arkansans, supporting economic development, education, and telehealth services. I thank Secretary Perdue and USDA for being a strong partner to the Natural State,"" Womack said.

""The need for rural broadband has never been more apparent than it is now – as our nation manages the coronavirus national emergency. Access to telehealth services, remote learning for school children, and remote business operations all require access to broadband,"" said Secretary Perdue. ""I am so proud of our rural communities who have been working day in and day out, just like they always do, producing the food and fiber America depends on. We need them more than ever during these trying times, and expanding access to this critical infrastructure will help ensure rural America prospers for years to come.""

The Arkansas Telephone Company was awarded $4.1 million to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to connect 491 people, 92 farms and four businesses to high-speed broadband internet in Pope and Van Buren counties.

The Northern Arkansas Telephone Company will receive $4.7 million in ReConnect funds to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to connect 1,202 people, 68 farms and six businesses to high-speed broadband internet in Marion County.

Mountain View Telephone Company will use $2.9 million to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to connect 1,331 people, 39 farms, six businesses, two fire stations and one post office to high-speed broadband internet in Stone County.

USDA launched the ReConnect Program in December 2018 to facilitate broadband deployment.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7868,"Hill, Foster, and Schweikert Host Virtual Roundtable to Support Local Entrepreneurs",2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02), along with Reps. David Schweikert (AZ-06) and Bill Foster (IL-11), fellow co-chairs of the Entrepreneurship Caucus, hosted a virtual roundtable with local entrepreneurs. Over Zoom, the representatives heard about the impact of COVID-19 on new and small businesses, identified pressure points and areas of vulnerability on business owners, and discussed potential policy options to address the needs of startups and mom and pop businesses.
Startups are crucial to our economy's ability to keep hardworking Arkansans employed and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,said Rep. Hill.The coronavirus poses a threat to thousands of startups and local businesses. While programs like the Paycheck Protection Program and the Federal Reserve's Main Street Lending Facility have been a helpful lifeline, Congress needs to ensure we are promoting policies that further innovation, job creation and economic growth. I enjoyed hearing from small businesses across the country and look forward to working with my fellow Entrepreneurship Caucus members to find bipartisan solutions.
Thank you, Representative Hill, for your efforts to support innovators like me. My company,BOND.AI, is a human-centered artificial intelligence platform that helps banksimprove the financial health of their retail consumers and small businesses. As a former community banker and former chairman of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Representative Hill understands what targeted investments are needed to keep local businesses on Main Street afloat,said Uday Akkaraju, from Little Rock.
Small businesses have always been, and will continue to be, an integral part of our communities. It was a pleasure to hearfromother entrepreneurs across the country who utilized the Paycheck Protection Program, and from our very own, Lori Anna Harrison, Founder and President of DLP Marketing in Scottsdale, about how the program helped her Arizona business,said Rep. Schweikert. I appreciate each of the entrepreneurs who took time to join us to discuss their experiences working through COVID19. I am hopeful Congress will re-open the remaining funds available in the Paycheck Protection Program account to help ensure any business on the brink of closing can be supported through these unprecedented times.
Thank you to Congressman Schweikert for inviting me to join today's roundtable and share the story of my company, DLP Marketing. As a member of the entrepreneurial community in Arizona, I look forward to continuing today's conversation on ways Congress can work to support small businesses like mine, especially during these times,said Lori Anna Harrison, from Scottsdale.
""As someone who knows what it takes to launch and sustain a business, I know that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for small businesses in Illinois and all across our nation,""said Rep. Foster. ""We have a lot of work to do to reverse the economic damage this crisis has unleashed on entrepreneurs and we need to pursue additional relief measures that will help businesses stay open, keep their workers employed, and resume growth once this crisis has passed. I'm committed to working with my colleagues to find common sense, bipartisan solutions that will benefit our communities.""
The biggest challenge in pre-COVID and post-COVID business is the lack of public-private partnership opportunities. Economic development practices haven't changedfor generations. And today, with fewer businesses thriving in local markets it's more obviousthanever a new approach is necessary. Government is not builtfor innovative thinking and that is exactly what business owners do on a daily basis. They survive by doing what it takes and this is where innovation is born. They think abouthow to solve their customer problems with forecasting and sweat equity. If that works for businesses then it should be what the government recognizes as the secret sauce to economicdevelopment opportunities. In short, if local entrepreneursproduce revenue, then ask, what can we do to facilitate their ability to continue'. COVID has been an opportunity for business to pivot and survive. I'm grateful the Federal government quickly put into place the PPP program and the SBA supported their 504 and 7a loan programs. The future is now open to more innovation because we've never been through a time like this before in our history,said Jimi Allen, from Aurora.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7869,Hill Hails Selection of Womack to Lead Financial Services Subcommittee for Appropriations,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Hails Selection of Womack to Lead Financial Services Subcommittee for Appropriations 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Little Rock, Ark,
        October 7, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after the House Republican Steering Committee selectedRep. Steve Womack (AR-03) to serve as the Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommitteeon the House Appropriations Committee.Steve Womack is a patriot, a respected leader, and an incredible advocate for the people of Northwest Arkansas, and his influence on behalf of Arkansas on the House Appropriations Committee is invaluable. Steve is a fine selection to lead the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, and with Steve's position on the Committee as an appropriator and my position on the Financial Services Committee as an authorizer, Arkansas will benefit from our partnership. I congratulate my colleague and friend on this significant achievement.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-concludes-annual-agriculture-tour,Westerman Concludes Annual Agriculture Tour,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) concluded his annual tour of Arkansas agriculture, where he visited with farmers and other agriculture producers across the Fourth District. Westerman issued the following statement:

""Working in agriculture is a demanding, 24/7 lifestyle, and I always look forward to meeting with the folks who have dedicated their lives to working with livestock and row crops. So many of the products we use on a daily basis are dependent on agriculture, and life as we know it would cease to exist if it weren't for these hardworking men and women. COVID-19 has only made agricultural production more difficult, yet Arkansans have risen to the challenge and carried on essential operations. I'd like to thank everyone who welcomed me to their farms this week and showed me around. I look forward to using what I learned from our conversations to craft federal policy that works for all Americans.""

Background

The annual agriculture tour is an opportunity for Westerman to meet one-on-one with constituents and learn more about the issues they're facing and how he can assist on the federal level.

The full 2020 itinerary:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-braun-introduce-bicameral-fair-care-act-2020,"Westerman, Braun Introduce Bicameral Fair Care Act of 2020",2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the Fair Care Act of 2020 in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. U.S. Reps. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Denver Riggleman (R-Va.) and Lloyd Smucker (R-Penn.) joined the bill as original cosponsors.

""It's no secret that America's health care system is broken,"" Westerman said. ""In a world of 24-hour news cycles and inflammatory headlines, the political divide surrounding health care is only getting deeper. We aim to change that. Contrary to popular belief, Republicans do have a health care plan. The Fair Care Act of 2020 would give Americans more coverage choices at lower costs, including those with preexisting conditions. Yes, it's all possible! This legislation stems from years of research and conversations I've had with constituents, members of Congress, policy professionals and others. Health care doesn't have to be an issue that divides us. The Fair Care Act is proof, just look at the 75 bipartisan provisions we included. We are ready to come to the table and get every American the health care they need. I'm glad to have my colleagues supporting the Fair Care Act of 2020 in both chambers, and I look forward to moving it through the legislative process.""

""Affordable choices are extremely important for Americans when it comes to meeting their healthcare needs,"" Burchett said. ""If you like your current plan, you should be allowed to keep it. If you need to make changes, you should be allowed to explore what private and public markets have to offer. The Fair Care Act respects choice when it comes to Americans' health insurance by removing barriers that keep healthcare costs high and creating more transparency in the American healthcare industry.""

""I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Fair Care Act, which will lower the cost of healthcare while increasing consumer choice and protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions,"" Riggleman said. ""Included in this bill is my proposal which moved protection for pre-existing conditions from the ACA to HIPAA. This will ensure that coverage continues and helps Americans across the nation.""

""I thank Rep. Westerman for his leadership and commitment to coming up with real solutions that will not only make the cost of health insurance more affordable, but also improve access to high quality care,"" Smucker said. ""I am proud to work with him on this legislation and I look forward to working to advance this bill.""

Background

The Fair Care Act of 2020 is the second version of the Fair Care Act of 2019, crafted with more than 75 bipartisan provisions.

Some of the Fair Care Act of 2020 health care improvements include:

Codifying the Affordable Care Act preexisting condition protections in HIPPA.

Offering greater protections for patients with preexisting conditions through an ""Invisible Guaranteed Coverage Risk Pool"" and guaranteed coverage Medigap plans.

Eliminating the employer health insurance mandate and allowing those with Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI) offers to receive premium assistance.

Strengthening and increasing enrollment in the commercial marketplace through expanded assistance to 600 percent FPL and state innovation waivers.

Expanding the use of pretax dollars to cover more medical expenses, including insurance premiums and direct primary care arrangements.

Promoting transparency by publishing provider networks and prices for common services.

Requiring medical providers to send timely, transparent bills to patients.

Discouraging hospital consolidation and anti-competitive behavior while protecting rural hospitals from closures.

Modernizing the prescription drug approval process to bring safe, effective medicine to patients faster.

Reforming Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) practices, including eliminating Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) fees.

Expanding the number of health professionals that can provide telehealth services.

Modernizing Medicare enrollment through a competitive bidding process, which promotes Medicare Advantage plans.

Establishing a flexible Medicaid funding option for states and closing the gap between Medicaid eligibility and premium assistance in the individual market.

Promoting fiscal accountability and solvency for Medicare and Medicaid.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7838,Hill Votes Against Speaker Pelosi's Partisan Messaging Bill,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C.Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following video after voting against the HEROES Act 2.0. ClickHERE, or on the image below, to watch Rep. Hill's message about the need to pass bipartisan legislation that supports struggling families, workers, and businesses.

    
        
            
        
    


  
A transcript of Rep. Hill's message is copied below:
Over the past seven months, the coronavirus pandemic has been hard on everyone, especially our families and small business owners.
Back in March, the House, the Senate, and our president came together with good faith negotiations to pass the CARES Act, a relief bill that had a positive impact on our country's response to the pandemic and the re-opening of the economy.
This bill provided financial help directly to Arkansas families and increased assistance for those forced out of their jobs. Many central Arkansas small businesses were kept afloat by the Paycheck Protection Program, and the CARES Act funded Operation Warp Speed, which initiated some of the fastest therapeutic and vaccine development in human history.
But the CARES Act was only a short-term response to the pandemic, and, in my view, since August, we've needed a second round of targeted assistance -- assistance to help schools safely re-open, a second round of PPP for small businesses that are still struggling, and continued funding of our total fight against this pandemic.
In the shadow of an upcoming election, the negotiations were not done in good faith, and a targeted, bipartisan solution in the spirit of the CARES Act has proved challenging.
This week, the House of Representatives considered a proposal from House Democrats that they've marketed as HEREOS 2.0.
When I started studying the details of this more than 2,000 page bill, I quickly discovered it was full of far-left progressive poison pill provisions, many of which have nothing to do with our response to the pandemic.
Let me be clear: this legislation divides us more than it unites us.
We've seen this from Nancy Pelosi's leadership for the last two years.
Rather than working together in divided government on legislation that will move our country forward, House Democrats once again have brought a bill to the floor that has zero chance of becoming law.
Many members of her own party have expressed their disappointment.
This is not a real deal nor is it a good faith effort.
It's simply one more time of the House Democrats trying to score political points and bragging about what they've passed in our legislative body, instead of finding consensus and getting legislation that can be signed into law  a law that will move our country forward.
The House cannot act alone. Let's work together as Americans and actually get much needed bipartisan legislation signed into law.
We've already proven how much good we can accomplish for the American people when we work together.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-leads-special-order-western-wildfires,Westerman Leads Special Order on Western Wildfires,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) led four of his colleagues on the House floor for a special order on wildfires in the West. U.S. Reps. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) and G.T. Thompson (R-Penn.) joined to share how wildfires are affecting their districts, and how to use sound forest management to mitigate their severity.

""Ever since I was elected to office, I've introduced legislation that would improve our ability to manage our nation's forests,"" Westerman said. ""My career in forestry has shown me firsthand that this kind of scientific management not only makes trees healthier, but it also dramatically reduces wildfire severity. Now here we are again, watching wildfires tear through the West and decimate entire communities. Democrats repeatedly talk about how bad these fires are, but they offer no solutions to the problem. Where it's applied, science-based forest management provides immediate relief and is a long-term tool for climate change mitigation. Congress has the power to equip land managers with essential resources and to remove legal barriers to fight wildfires before they even begin. Our action is long overdue, and we're getting the exact results for which we have managed.""

""The endless cycle of catastrophic fire we are currently seeing across the West is not inevitable, it isn't something we must just accept, there are steps that can be taken now to ensure that our communities are protected,"" Gosar said. ""It is up to Congress to take the lead and put active forest management at the forefront of protecting our communities. Members from both of sides of the aisle recognize that time is of the essence and I call on Congressional leadership to bring substantive forestry legislation to floor before the end of this Congress.""

""As the people of Central Washington – and many of my colleagues in Congress – understand: Healthy, resilient forests are the key to wildfire prevention,"" Newhouse said. ""We have made significant progress in recent years, but there is still much work to be done. Without leadership from Congress, families will continue to lose their homes, businesses and jobs will continue to be lost, and our public health will continue to be threatened. I have been proud to work alongside Rep. Westerman, who has served as a strong leader on reforming our forestry and land management policies, and I look forward to our continued collaboration on these vital issues.""

""Our forests are more than scenic backdrops,"" Thompson said. ""Forest Service lands have been in dire need of active management, which will prevent fires, property damage, and loss of life.""

Background

To date, wildfires have burned 7.6 million U.S. acres in 2020. Seven million acres burned in 2018, 8 million acres burned in 2017, and 9 million acres burned in 2015. Every year Congress delays taking action on forest management, the problem worsens.

There are four major areas where management is most necessary:

Wildland Urban Interfaces (WUIs), the area where communities and forests intersect. Nearly 40 million Americans now live in a WUI.

Transportation corridors

Transmission corridors (the 2018 Camp Fire started from a stray spark along a California transmission corridor)

Critical watersheds

To initiate a federal response to this issue, Westerman has introduced legislation like the Resilient Federal Forests Act and the Trillion Trees Act, which would equip both public and private land managers with essential resources to clear brush and low-quality trees, making residual trees more resistant to wildfires and pests.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/senator-cotton-and-congressman-crawford-introduce-legislation-to-create-an-intelligence-office-in-usda,Senator Cotton and Congressman Crawford Introduce Legislation to Create an Intelligence Office in USDA,2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 30th, 2020

Washington, DC – Today, Sen. Cotton introduced legislation that would establish an Office of Intelligence within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This bill serves as a Senate companion to H.R. 8238, the Agricultural Intelligence Measures (AIM) Act, which Rep. Crawford (AR-01) introduced earlier this month.

The goal of this legislation is to create a better interface between those who have a deep understanding of American agriculture with the resources and capabilities of the intelligence community in order to ultimately better secure our nation's agriculture system.

""The Chinese Communist Party wants to undermine vital American industries through sabotage and intellectual property theft—U.S. agriculture is no exception. Our bill will help safeguard the food and technology that our country depends on for its prosperity and freedom,"" said Cotton.

""The powerhouse that is American agriculture is a product of years of research and serves as an example of our nation's ingenuity. It is a national security imperative that we safeguard our agriculture sector from foreign threats such as espionage, intellectual theft, and biological attacks. The AIM Act and its companion bill in the Senate both play a critical role in taking a proactive approach to foreign attacks on our nation's agriculture,"" said Rep. Crawford.

######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7807,House China Task Force Report Includes Hill Legislation,2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"House China Task Force Report Includes Hill Legislation 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        September 30, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C. Today, the House China Task Force releaseda reportdetailing recommendations to increase national security and hold China accountable. These steps include modernizing the U.S. military to counter threats from China, reducing U.S. reliance on China for manufacturing by moving supply chains, and halting intellectual property theft by safeguarding the nation against the Chinese government's global ideological, economic, and military efforts. Two of Rep. French Hill's (AR-02) bills,H.R. 6399, the SAVE Act, andH.R. 5932, the Ensuring Chinese Debt Transparency Act, were recommended in the report.I commend House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mike McCaul for taking the initiative and releasing this important analysis calling for a commonsense approach to defend our nation and hold China accountable. The Chinese Communist Party has continually proven that it is an unreliable partner in global affairs, and it must be held to the same high standards as other nations. The Task Force has recommended two of my bills as part of the solution, including removing dependence on China for medical supplies and developing a global effort to ensure more scrutiny of China as a major creditor nation. By taking these initiatives, the United States strengthens our economy and defends the American people while providing a much-needed check on China's malintent.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7776,Hill Statement on the Nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court,2020-09-26,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Statement on the Nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Little Rock, Ark.,
        September 26, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
      
    
  
  
    
      
      
      Little Rock, Ark.  Today, after President Trump announced the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement:President Trump has nominated a well-qualified, experienced jurist to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Judge Barrett first was selected by the president to serve as a judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. A former law clerk to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, Judge Barrett, 48, was confirmed by a bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate in 2017.A member of the law faculty of her alma mater, the University of Notre Dame, since 2002, she has been committed to educating talented legal minds. I am hopeful the Senate will move swiftly in their consideration of Judge Barrett so the Court can return to full strength and do its essential work.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7785,ICYMI: Rep. Hill Op-Ed in Real Clear Education: Young People Need Education Options Beyond the 4-Year Degree,2020-09-25,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.CToday, Rep. French Hill spoke out inReal Clear Educationabout the need to develop conservative solutions that empower hard-working Americans to choose the best educational path for them.Rep. Hill asserts that every American deserves the opportunity to succeed both academically and financially. He argues that Congress should take steps to expand career opportunities so that individuals of all backgrounds can achieve their American dream. The full op-ed is copied below.


    
        
            
        
    


  

Young People Need Education Options Beyond the 4-Year Degree
Real Clear Education
By: Congressman French Hill  

For years, the federal government has played into a College Bound or Bust mentality, allocating education funding mostly to traditional degree programs and furthering the narrative that a college degree is the only path to success. The Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress, has worked through its American Worker Task Force to develop solutions that empower hard-working Americans to choose the best educational path for them.Many Americans already know that skilled trades, which offer good pay and often struggle to find qualified workers, offer a promising path to success. The American Worker Task Force has proposed reforms to help level the playing field in federal programs between career and technical education (CTE) programs and traditional degree programs, to offer more paths for students, beginning in high school. Unfortunately for those who choose to follow CTE paths, federal student aid heavily favors those who opt for a traditional college education. In order to equalize federal opportunities between CTE programs and four-year colleges, lawmakers must allow federally supported funding streams like Pell Grants and 529 Savings Accounts to be used for short-term CTE programs. One way in which the American Worker Task Force suggests achieving this goal is through the Pell Flexibility Act, which will let Pell Grants be applied to short-term CTE programs. By doing so, the federal government will begin to erase the idea that a traditional college degree is the only path to career success, while offering financial assistance for those going into a skilled trade. For those students who do pursue a college degree, many face high tuition and will enter the workforce saddled with a heavy student debt burden. Consequently, the American Worker Task Force supports providing regulatory clarity for income sharing agreements (ISA). This innovative financing mechanism allows students to receive funds for tuition in return for a time-limited commitment of a percentage of their future earnings. By providing regulatory clarity, lawmakers can create a legal framework for ISAs that will provide students  both on a traditional four-year track or in CTE programs  with the financial means to succeed academically without depending entirely on student loans. Allowing institutions to explore innovative ISA financing models could make higher education more accessible for countless traditional and non-traditional students. In this vein, we were delighted that the CARES Act also included a provision that allows employers to contribute up to $5,250 per year to help their employees pay off their federal student loans. That money, up to $5,250, will not be taxed for the employee. This innovative benefit is available to any employer  public or private, federal or state government. To ensure the success of our future workers, lawmakers ought to ensure that the student lending system is oriented toward economic success. Enhancing private lending options would naturally guide more borrowers toward education paths that prepare them for careers in sectors with more demand for workers. It would also give more high school graduates the opportunity for an affordable college education. In 2019, the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 327, which I introduced with Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), to encourage greater public-private sector collaboration and promote financial literacy for students and young adults. Introducing primary school students to financial literacy and personal finance classes will help create a deeper understanding of earning, saving, and spending money. Acquiring these skills at a younger age allows students to better navigate complicated financial decisions as adults and puts them on a path towards lifelong fiscal prosperity. Additionally, the American Worker Task Force recommends enacting the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act, which would change one-time entrance counseling for student loans to annual counseling and require each student to receive average loan and employment data. By providing increased transparency to students, lawmakers can provide students with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their education and can help students start out on a better path for career success. Whether it's a college education or a career in a skilled trade, every American deserves the opportunity to succeed. By taking steps to expand education and career opportunities we can help individuals of all backgrounds achieve the American dream.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7786,"RELEASE: Hill Stands with Arkansas Workers, Demands Vote to Extend Critical Funding for Small Businesses",2020-09-25,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after signing a discharge petition to hold a vote on the House Floor to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):
""Today, I'm signing this discharge petition to force Speaker Pelosi to hold a vote on H.R. 8265 on the House Floor and stop holding workers hostage. I am committed to doing the right thing and standing up for people who are simply trying to make an honest living. H.R.8265 extends the PPP program allowing our restaurants, small hotel owners, and other small businesses to keep benefiting from the program and potentially get a second opportunity to take advantage of the program. I urge my friends across the aisle to join with House Republicans and move the PPP extension into the Senate and to the president's desk."" Background on the Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program is an emergency loan program originally created by the CARES Act. The program provides forgivable loans up to $10 million to small businesses left financially distressed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The loans are administered at the local level by a national network of banks and credit unions. They are designed to maintain the viability of millions of small businesses struggling to meet payroll and day-to-day operating expenses. The loans, which are 100% backed by SBA,are provided to small businesses without collateral requirements, personal guarantees, SBA fees, or credit elsewhere tests. Those eligible for the program include small businesses, certain non-profits, veterans' organizations, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and others.
The maximum PPP loan amount is 2.5 times your average monthly payroll costs. The loan will be forgiven in full if the borrower meets certain conditions for how the funds are used. Borrowers have 24 weeks to spend the funds before applying for forgiveness. The PPP has helped keep51 million Americans employed. In Arkansas alone, 43,000 small business owners have been able to keep tens of thousands of Arkansans on payroll and families supported thanks to over $3.3 billion in PPP loans.
Clickhereto learn more about the program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7787,"RELEASE: Hill Prioritizes Arkansas Farmers, Votes to Fund Federal Government",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"RELEASE: Hill Prioritizes Arkansas Farmers, Votes to Fund Federal Government 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        September 22, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C. Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through December 11, 2020:While we grapple with COVID-19, it is important that the government stay open, funded, and able to help struggling Arkansans and Americans. While I am generally opposed to funding the government through a Continuing Resolution, right now this stable funding is critical to providing much needed aid to medical experts at the Department of Health and Human Services, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds, which lend critical relief and support for family-owned farms in Arkansas. I am especially glad that Speaker Pelosi finally relented and included support for Arkansas ranchers and farmers. In December, Republicans and Democrats must come together to pass a full year budget and reign in unchecked spending. We can't keep running our country on these short-term, stop-gap bills.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7788,Hill Statement on New Sanctions on Iran and Regime Facilitators,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Statement on New Sanctions on Iran and Regime Facilitators 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        September 22, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02), the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after President Trump's latest round of sanctions against the Iranian regime and its facilitators.Through more than five years of expert witness testimony before the Financial Services Committee, I have seen first-hand Iran's support of international terrorism and disregard for international law. President Trump was right to pull the United States out of the flawed Obama nuclear deal that rewarded a rogue and radical government with pallets of cash and only short delays of nuclear production and receiving conventional arms from America's military antagonists like Russia and China. We must continue to squeeze the Iranian mullahs as they attempt to acquire additional weapons to threaten our ally Israel and continue their support of Hezbollah terrorists. The mullahs are destroying their country on the backs of the Iranian people who have shown their longing for a government that respects the rule of law and supports its people over international terrorists. The American people and our government stand with the people of Iran.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7789,Rep. Hill Continues to Push for Small Business Relief,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"At the hearing, Rep. Hill announced that he will sign a discharge petition to extend the Paycheck Protection Program, reiterated his support for Senator Marco Rubio's changes to the Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program, and urged Secretary Mnuchin and Chair Powell to reconsider their positions on the Main Street Loan Program to support the MSLP's inclusion of an asset-based lending approach.

    
        
            
        
    

  
The transcript of Rep. Hill's questions for Secretary Mnuchin and Chairman Powell is copied below: Rep. Hill: ""Thank you, Madame Chair, and of course thank you, Secretary Mnuchin, for being with us today. Chair Powell, it is terrific to see you.
I want to associate myself with the remarks of the ranking member who outlined the really outstanding leadership we've obtained from the Treasury and the Federal Reserve, particularly in the early days of fighting the virus. And we appreciate your commitment to our country to restore the health of the American people, renew our families' belief in the American dream, and, in your own ways, rebuild the American economy.I want to talk for a minute about this issue for smaller businesses. And I plan on signing the discharge petition in the House today to move Congressman Chabot's bill to the House floor, which extends the PPP Program and clarifies the forgiveness aspects of that. This is something that should have been done at the end of July. And I was pleased last week that Democratic members of Mrs. Pelosi's caucus are objecting to her leadership (or lack thereof) in trying to negotiate this COVID package. I hope my Democrat colleagues will join me in signing that discharge petition, because the PPP extension, as Secretary Mnuchin outlined, is a key component to having the tools necessary for the small business recovery. Secondly, in my view, the proposal by Mr. Rubio, that is the Senate bill on the 7(a) loan program is critical because it allows businesses to take this embedded loss of the last six or eight months or that we think is coming and put it on a 20-year amortization schedule at a 1% rate as an SBA product and it is a much better solution than the emergency loan program that the SBA has used during this pandemic, which is really geared toward a hurricane and not to a national pandemic. But the third point is the Main Street Program, and both of you know my views on this, as we've talked about it in Oversight Commission hearing and privately, and that is on Friday at 1:00 in a typical Washington, D.C., issue, the Fed released its Frequently Asked Questions and dumped out to the public on Friday afternoon that you would not pursue this asset-based lending-type approach for a different Main Street Term Sheet. Mr. Barr did a good job describing that. I really think that can be done, Chairman Powell, to companies on sound footing, to companies that are not able to reach credit traditionally on reasonable terms, and in the concept of a backstop. I want to press both of you that while it doesn't fit the Main Street Term Sheet that you have today that took four months to stand up, I still believe that asset-based lending to a solvent company is important. And while you've had a key component, another Washington key component in the Frequently-Asked-Question, you said at this time. So, I would urge you to reconsider your position on asset-based lending and offer you each an opportunity to comment. Mr. Powell?"" Chairman Powell:""So, we have taken a very close look at it as you know and as the secretary indicated. But we're happy to continue the conversation and we'll do that with you.""  

Rep. Hill:""I really do believe it could be done in the right way. And I think the three things that I commented on  The first two: the 7(a) program and the PPP loan  address the lower loan size that the Chair mentioned. But I do believe there is a solvent niche out there of portfolio lending that could be done on a sound basis that would offer some liquidity for hospitality, particularly, not CMBS per se, but portfolio lending where they have this gap that we saw after 9/11 and we saw after the financial crisis, a very slow increase in business travel. Secretary Mnuchin, you commented that you would like Congress to give you authority to incur risk as it relates to the $500 billion in funding for the Exchange Stabilization Fund, particularly the $454 billion that was not related to airlines and that you propose to reprogram that money for other uses. But, when we had a discussion of this in the Oversight Commission, we issued in our fourth report that we don't believe that you need any additional Congressional authority to reprogram that and take additional risk. Could you comment on that, please?"" Secretary Mnuchin:""So let me be clear. I don't think we need authorization, to take additional risk, and let me clarify, I think the Main Street loans, in general, we will be taking losses, because I think this is basically being underwritten on pre-corona EBITDA. What I was suggesting is that we would like to spend that money on other areas of the economy that could be better served. Kids, jobs, more PPP, SBA, long-term loans, and that, unfortunately, we do need Congressional authority to use it in other areas, and we have a lot of money left over in the PPP that has been appropriated by Congress that with simple legislation could allow many hard-working small businesses to get a second loan.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7760,RELEASE: Hill Statement on Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,2020-09-18,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"RELEASE: Hill Statement on Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        September 18, 2020
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      Little Rock, Ark. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after learning about the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.Martha and I offer our deepest condolences to Justice Ginsburg's family. In 2019, we had the pleasure of seeing her speak at the University of Arkansas's Clinton School of Public Service. Nominated by President Clinton in 1993, Justice Ginsburg has been a trailblazer and role model for women. Our nation has lost a brilliant jurist.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dot-awards-arkansas-34-million-rail-improvements,DOT Awards Arkansas $3.4 Million for Rail Improvements,2020-09-18,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman—announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $3.4 million to upgrade track and build additional sidings on the Class III Louisiana and Northwest (LNW) Railroad in Columbia County, Ark.

The LNW Railroad has been running a 68-mile track between Arkansas and Louisiana since the late 1890s. Today it transports a variety of freight, including wood products, steel and plastics. The DOT discretionary grant will allow for critical infrastructure improvements.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/scientific-forest-management-works-we-just-have-use-it,Scientific Forest Management Works. We Just Have to Use It,2020-09-18,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"As wildfires burn across the West, many Americans have lost their loved ones, their homes and all their possessions. My prayers are with everyone who has been displaced or who is heroically fighting the fires, and I hope these blazes are quickly contained. Unfortunately, fires like this have become so common that we refer to this time of year as wildfire season. I don't think we just have to accept this as the new normal. In all my years as a forester, I've seen firsthand that scientific forest management works. These are commonsense policies that we need now to prevent devastating fires like these in the future.
When I say forest management, it's important to clarify that I'm not proposing clear cutting. Instead, we can use practices like thinning from below and removing lower-quality trees to make residual trees healthier and more resistant to fire and pests. Arkansas landowners have used tactics like these to make keep our forests thriving, not only providing us with clean air and water but also improving our wildlife habitats. I believe we can use our example as a model for the rest of the country to follow.
Each state will have different geographical requirements, but the basic principle remains: manage our forests well to prevent brush and dead trees from creating tinderboxes. The science supports this method. We have all the right tools at our disposal to prevent severe wildfires, now we just have to put them into action.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/boozman-applauds-additional-covid-19-relief-for-farmers-and-ranchers,Boozman Applauds Additional COVID-19 Relief for Farmers and Ranchers,2020-09-18,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), asenior member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry Committee,praised the Trump administration's announcement of a second round of assistance to farmers and ranchers negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Donald Trump and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue announced up to$14 billion of additional assistance will be made available to agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.
Our farmers and ranchers make vital contributions to our state and our nation, and they have been struggling with low commodity prices, volatile weather and unfair trade practices long before the coronavirus hit. Unfortunately, the additional stress and challenges brought on by COVID-19 have amplified an already tough situation for those who grow our food and fiber. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Perdue for acting to make a second round of assistance available,and I will continue to advocate on behalf of our farmers and ranchers to ensure they are able to withstand adverse impacts resulting from the pandemic, Boozman said.
Producers were awarded close to $10 billion in assistance through the first round of payments made throughthe Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which was funded bytheCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The second round, CFAP 2,will support row crops, livestock, specialty crops, dairy, aquaculture and many additional commodities.USDA will use the program's remaining money and funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation to administer CFAP 2.
Producers can apply for CFAP 2 at USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices, beginning September 21, 2020 and ending December 11, 2020.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/oozman-urges-hhs-to-protect-340b-prescription-drug-pricing-program,Boozman Urges HHS to Protect 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program,2020-09-18,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prevent pharmaceutical companies from undermining the 340B Drug Pricing Program and for the agency to provide certainty to hospital participants.
The 340B drug pricing program is providing flexibility to more than 40 Arkansas medical facilities to help lower drug prices. The program requires prescription drugs be sold at a discounted price to safety net hospitals, rural health facilities and other entities that provide care in underserved communities. Savings from the 340B program ensure these covered entities are able to continue serving their patients.
Recent announcements by drug manufacturers have put new, burdensome requirements on covered entities beyond the scope of the 340B program and have eliminated discounts for medications shipped to pharmacies that dispense drugs to patients on behalf of covered entities.
In aletter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, Boozman and a bipartisan group of senators urged the administration to take enforcement action to end these policies and protect the ability of health care facilities to continue providing medications to their patients.
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, where providers have seen drops in revenue and available resources, it is critically important that 340B covered entities, including federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), FQHC Look-Alikes, children's hospitals, Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics, and other safety-net hospitals and providers are able to continue to serve the individuals who seek out their care. As these threats to the Program progress, we fearthe potential exacerbation of these shortfalls in resources for providers at a time when they are needed most,the senators wrote in the letter.
The letter was sent one day after Boozman urged HHS toprovide certainty for the 340B participants.
In aspeechon the Senate floor, Boozman shared the concerns of rural Arkansas hospital administrators about eligibility for continued participation in the program. As a result of COVID-19, hospitals paused elective procedures and admissions decreased for Medicare and Medicaid patients. These are among the key metrics used to determine acceptance into the program.
Boozman encouraged his colleagues toextend eligibility so they can care for low-income patients and passlegislation introduced by Senator John Thune (R-SD) that would provide certainty to current 340B program participants.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1426,"Cotton, Colleagues Urge President to Sanction Iran's Financial Sector",2020-09-18,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 18, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) today sent a letter to President Trump urging him to impose sanctions on the entirety of Iran's financial sector pursuant to Executive Order 13902, which was signed earlier this year. The executive order provides the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to impose sanctions on additional sectors of the Iranian economy at any time. The letter applauds the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on Iran, and urges them to do more to pressure the regime and force it to return to the negotiating table on U.S. terms. The letter reads, in part; ""Despite these efforts, at least 14 Iranian banks remain open and connected to the SWIFT financial messaging network for sanctions-free financial transactions, providing the regime a crucial economic lifeline. This is despite the fact that most other Iranian financial institutions are under sanctions by the U.S. Treasury for their financial sponsorship of terrorism - including the Central Bank of Iran, which capitalizes these remaining banks and may be using them as fronts for its activities. Should these 14 remaining banks be targeted for U.S. sanctions, Iran would be cut off from the global financial system entirely, and the regime's ability to fund its malign regional influence would be even further diminished."" The full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/wildfires-ravage-us-every-year-they-don-t-have,Wildfires Ravage the US Every Year. They Dont Have To,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Across the West, wildfires are raging. They have already tragically claimed at least 26 lives and displaced thousands more. As I write this, dozens of American cities are dealing with the world's worst air quality, suffering through a thick haze of post-apocalyptic smoke. 
Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Six million acres have burned to date. In 2018, it was 7 million. In 2017, it was 8 million. 2015, nearly 9 million. Two factors are driving these infernos: rising temperatures and widespread, systemic mismanagement of our forests.
Unfortunately, Congress continues arguing about the cause without ever implementing a solution. Mitigating climate change is a decades-long issue we should all be working on, but progress to that goal shouldn't impede immediate solutions. In fact, the only way we can get to that goal is to start now, managing our forests properly and making them healthy and resilient.
I'm a professional engineer and licensed forester, and I currently represent one of the most heavily forested congressional districts in America. I've dedicated much of my career to studying forestry, and I've seen firsthand that scientific, commonsense forest management works. If we gave land managers more resources to curb pests, thin trees, clear brush and more, we could begin to mitigate the severity of wildfires. Why don't we? In short, because Democrats refuse to come to the table and negotiate on forestry reform. As a result, Congress continues to fiddle while the West burns.
During my time as a congressman, I've introduced bills like the Resilient Federal Forests Act and the Trillion Trees Act, legislation that promotes healthy forests via scientific management. Yet when I try to engage with my Democratic colleagues on these issues, I hear the same refrains. It's too little too late. We don't have time to make small changes. We need sweeping reforms like the Green New Deal. Large-scale environmental changes have their time and place, but that doesn't negate the fact that we need fast, reliable changes to forest management now.
As temperatures rise and wildfire threats increase, we should immediately take an all-hands-on-deck approach to mitigate wildfire damage in critical infrastructure areas. Democrats talk a lot about needing green solutions and infrastructure to withstand climate change, and that's precisely what I'm trying to accomplish.
We are at a tipping point, and there are four major areas where large-scale, judicious forest management should be happening 24/7: Wildland-Urban Interfaces (WUIs), transportation corridors, transmission corridors and critical watersheds. Every year, more people move into WUIs, and you may remember that the Camp Fire ignited along a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) transmission line. These are exactly the kinds of areas we need to triage in order to mitigate wildfire damage.
What might that forest management entail? Let me first make this clear: I'm not proposing clear-cutting. I'm proposing we use site-specific management prescriptions that meet the timber stand and landscape criteria. It's called forest restoration, using tools like thinning from below, where you remove the lower-quality trees and tender and use cyclical, low-intensity fires to control the underbrush. It actually makes the residual trees healthier and more resistant to insects, disease and fire. This also results in better wildlife habitats, more plant and animal diversity and cleaner watersheds. On top of all that, these forests have a distinct, park-like beauty that more closely resembles how Native Americans managed timberland.
Because forests are dynamic, growing ecosystems that are in constant flux, a decision to do nothing is still a management decision. More often than not, it is a bad decision, but it is a decision that, when made, turns overall management to nature. Nature is harsh. Her tools are insects, disease, wind, lightning and wildfire, unleashed with an insatiable desire to restore an elusive balance.
Every year we delay and do nothing means another year of lost lives, destroyed property and billions of dollars of damage, not to mention the smoke releasing millions of pounds of carbon into the atmosphere. Scientific evidence shows that healthy, resilient forests are achieved through sound management, yet we are still doing nothing but loving our trees to death. We have all the tools to mitigate wildfire severity. We just have to use them in a big way with a bold vision.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/boozman-supports-strengthening-protections-for-servicemembers-and-their-families,Boozman Supports Strengthening Protections for Servicemembers and their Families,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is pushing for improvements to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Boozman joined his colleagues to introduce two pieces of legislation to amend the law and better serve the needs of the men and women of the military and their families.
On average, military families move every two to three years. For military spouses, frequent relocations disrupt careers and require them to spend thousands of hours and dollars to continue practicing their vocation, despite already being licensed in another state.
Boozman helped introduce the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act to require states to recognize the occupational licenses of military spouses who move across state lines as a result of a permanent change of station (PCS) order.
Military spouses make tremendous sacrifices and we have an obligation to support them and their families. This is a meaningful way to help cut the red tape that exists and make it easier for them to continue to their career after relocating as they support their loved one's service, Boozman said.
According to a recent study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative, 67 percent of military spouses had to quit a job because of a move to a different duty station.Additionally, 50 percent of military spouses work in a field that requires licensing.
Boozman also helped introduced theModernizing Notice of Lease Terminations for Servicemembers Actto allow servicemembers to deliver notice of termination of residential and car leases electronically, including by email.
We need to focus on ways to make life easier for the men and womenof our nation's Armed Forces. This update to the SCRA will provide greater flexibility and convenience for servicemembers and their families navigatingchanges tohousing and vehicle leases, protecting them from penalties and ensuring they have the ability to comply with orders to deploy or relocate while serving in uniform, Boozman said.
The ability to electronically deliver notice of termination of a residential or car lease is especially important for servicemembers who may already be serving in another location by the time they are able to seek termination due to a deployment or a PCS. Electronic means of communication are also critical in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which physical contact should be limited and traditional mail and delivery services may heighten the risk of exposure.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1424,"Cotton, Boozman, Colleagues Send Letter to FCC Chairman on Combatting Contraband Cellphones in Prisons",2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 17, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) today led a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to continue to push the federal telecommunications agency to address the rampant use of contraband devices within federal, state, and local prisons that are being used to commit crimes outside of prisons. The Senators proposed several solutions to the FCC to address the issue of contraband cellphones. Joining Lankford and Cotton are Senators John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), David Perdue (R-Georgia), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia), and John Boozman (R-Arkansas).
  The Senators wrote, ""The use of contraband cellphones in federal, state, and local prisons is rampant, and the consequences of this illegal activity can be deadly. The ability for inmates to commit crimes from behind bars puts not only correctional officers at risk, but also other inmates and innocent members of the public.   ""For years, the FCC has weighed how to deploy technologies to snuff out the use of these illicit devices. Most recently, in 2017, the FCC streamlined process for spectrum leasing and temporary authority requests. While we commend the FCC's actions, the use of contraband cellphones and the harm they are causing has not meaningfully diminished since the 2017 order. In 2018 alone, Arkansas correctional officers confiscated over 1,600 contraband cellphones. Since 2015, South Carolina correctional officers have discovered 25,000 cellphones. According to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, 52,039 contraband cell phones have been confiscated in the state's correctional facilities since 2011,"" the Senators continued.
  The letter is being sent for comment to the FCC's proceeding ""Promoting Technological Solutions To Combat Contraband Wireless Device Use in Correctional Facilities.""
The full text of the letter can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1425,Cotton Introduces Bill to End China's Permanent Most-Favored-Nation Status,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 17, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430
September 17, 2020

Cotton Introduces Bill to End China's Permanent Most-Favored-Nation Status

Washington, D.C.  Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced a bill that would strip China of its permanent most-favored-nation statusalso known as Permanent Normal Trade Relationsa designation it has held for the last twenty years. If passed, the legislation would make extending most-favored-nation status to China an annual decision for Congress and the president.

The bill text may be found here.

""Twenty years ago this week, the Senate gave a gift to the Chinese Communist Party by granting it permanent most-favored-nation status. That disastrous decision made the Party richer, but cost millions of American jobs. It's time to protect American workers and take back our leverage over Beijing by withdrawing China's permanent trade status, said Cotton.

Background

 The Senate voted to give China permanent most-favored-nation status on September 19, 2000. This vote paved the way for China's accession to the World Trade Organization.
 Granting China this trade status contributed to the China Trade Shock that destroyed 2 million American jobs after 2001. It also led to a surge of business investment in China that made the CCP stronger and more dangerous.

The China Trade Relations Act

 The China Trade Relations Act would revoke China's permanent most-favored-nation status and return to the pre-2001 status quo, whereby China's MFN status must be renewed each year by presidential decision. Congress could override the president's extension of MFN by passing a joint resolution of disapproval.
 The bill also would expand the list of human-rights and trade abuses under the Jackson-Vanik Amendment that would disqualify China for MFN status, absent a presidential waiver. The abuses that would make China ineligible for MFN status, absent a presidential waiver, are as follows:
o Uses or provides for the use of slave labor;
o Operates vocational training and education centers' or other concentration camps where people are held against their will;
o Performs or otherwise orders forced abortion or sterilization procedures;
o Harvests the organs of prisoners without their consent;
o Hinders the free exercise of religion;
o Intimidates or harasses nationals of the People's Republic of China living outside the People's Republic of China; or
o Engages in systematic economic espionage against the United States, including theft of the intellectual property of United States persons

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7748,"Hill Joins Republican Leadership, Introduces “Commitment to America”",2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Joins Republican Leadership, Introduces Commitment to America 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) joined House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01), and House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (WY-AL) inannouncingHouse Republicans'Commitment to Americaplan.It's time to fight for the American people, and defeat the coronavirus. Millions of men, women, and children are struggling. Across Arkansas, hardworking employees have found themselves out of work. Parents are concerned about sending their children to school. Small business owners are contemplating closing their doors. House Republicans'Commitment to Americawill help every American who is feeling displaced. This plan will restore our way of life, rebuild the greatest economy in history, and renew the American dream. We will never give up. We will never give in. United, one nation under God, we will overcome the odds, and engineer the greatest comeback in history.
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7750,ICYMI: Rep. Hill Op-Ed in The Hill: The use and abuse of the IMF in the fight against COVID-19,2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.CToday, Rep. French Hill spoke out inThe Hill, highlighting in an op-ed the negative impacts of allowing a new allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) under the International Monetary Fund (IMF).In this op-ed, Hill, the Lead Republican on the Subcommittee on National Security, Monetary Policy and International Institutions of the House Financial Services Committee, points out that some countries, like China, have been lobbying for these SDRs which could be used to obtain hard currencywithout conditionsand do not require repayment.Rep. Hill argued that this allocation wouldsend over $170 billion to the Chinese governmentas it sits on more than $3 trillion in foreign reserves, operates internment camps in Xinjiang, and continues violating its international commitments in Hong Kong. Congressman Hill also asserted that the main threat to developing countries today is not a lack of SDRs, but rather theopaque, predatory financingthey've been saddled with by the Chinese government in complete disregard of multilateral standards. The full op-ed is copied below.

    
        
            
        
    



The use and abuse of the IMF in the fight against COVID-19
The Hill
By: Congressman French Hill  

Lost in the debate over countries' responses to COVID-19 is a behind-the-scenes tussle at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over how to deploy more support to the developing world. Though the IMF possesses around $1 trillion in firepower  thanks in part to action taken by Congress under the CARES Act  some IMF members, particularly China, have been lobbying for billions in extra relief through a new allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). SDRs created by the IMF could be used by countries to obtain hard currency without conditions, and unlike a typical IMF loan, they would not require repayment.This idea has now gained traction among certain congressional Democrats, who have proposed allocating no fewer than two trillion SDRs  equivalent to around $2.8 trillion  to the IMF's 189 member countries, even if a country's needs are in fact minimal. The flaws in this plan, which would require the United States' approval, are profound. Such an allocation would send over $170 billion to the Chinese government as it sits on more than $3 trillion in foreign reserves, operates internment camps in Xinjiang, and continues violating its international commitments in Hong Kong. The Democrats' proposal would also send more than $20 billion to Iran, classified by the State Department as the world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism, as well as $75 billion to the Kremlin, $17 billion to the Assad regime in Syria, and another $20 billion to Venezuela. These billions would represent no-strings-attached liquidity for some of the world's most brutal dictatorships. Having the IMF lavish SDRs on these regimes is perverse in itself, but it also violates the IMF's core principles. Under the IMF's Articles of Agreement, SDR allocations are only intended to meet the long-term global need, not the short-term, country-specific emergencies brought on by the pandemic. One only needs to look at the IMF's own economic forecasts to see that the damage wrought by COVID-19 is highly variable, and may prove less severe in developing countries than proponents of an SDR allocation care to admit. And even in the hardest hit regions, the IMF expects a return to growth next year. If there's a rationale for more SDRs, the long-term global need would not seem to qualify. Insisting on adherence to the IMF's rulebook may seem frivolous, but in fact it is vital. The main threat to developing countries today is not a lack of SDRs, but rather the opaque, predatory financing they've been saddled with by the Chinese government in complete disregard of multilateral standards. The IMF has done important work in pushing for greater transparency and the suspension of debt repayments to Beijing, but the IMF's case rests on the notion that China should adapt to a rules-based financial order, not the other way around. Disregarding the Articles of Agreement through an SDR allocation would signal to China that such rules are applied selectively; at the very least, the allocation would divert our attention from tackling the source of developing countries' long-term vulnerabilities. That source resides in Zhongnanhai, not the IMF's Washington boardroom.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=1423,Cotton on Fox News 'Netflix's 'Cuties' is child pornography hiding in plain sight ? it is Hollywood exploitation',2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 15, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				Netflix's 'Cuties' is child pornography hiding in plain sight - it is Hollywood exploitationBy: Senator Tom CottonSeptember 15, 2020 People can disagree about all manner of issues - and in America, we certainly do. One thing that shouldn't be up for debate is that young children ought to be protected from sexual abuse and exploitation. Hollywood has long failed this fundamental moral test, as evidenced by the many child stars who were abused by their supposed caretakers, both on and off the set. The Netflix movie ""Cuties"" is the latest example of child sexual exploitation in the film industry. In fact, it is child pornography hiding in plain sight. ""Cuties"" follows a group of 11-year-old girls in France who form a dance group. The girls mimic and adopt highly sexualized behavior they see in popular culture, from Internet pornography to (hardly less explicit) music videos. The movie's child actresses were made to wear, do and say disgusting things in service of this plot. The director of ""Cuties,"" Netflix and a disturbing number of film critics have defended the film since its promotional materials first prompted outrage. They claim the film is a ""social commentary against the sexualization of young children."" The film isn't contributing to the sexualization of children, these critics insist, it's critiquing it. But of course, no matter how interesting the movie's ""social commentary"" is to critics at the Sundance film festival, that doesn't excuse the fact that the movie depicts real-life children performing extended, pornographic dance routines. I choose that word carefully, because ultimately what ""Cuties"" depicts is child pornography. Federal law defines child pornography to include the ""lascivious exhibition"" of a child's private parts. There is no nudity requirement under the statute. Certain images in this film technically satisfy the federal definition of child pornography. Its distribution by Netflix likely constitutes a serious crime. Tragically, ""Cuties"" is not the first film Netflix has streamed featuring child pornography. In 2018, it was criticized for streaming a foreign film that featured a 9-year-old girl simulating a sex act - a simulated sex act that is squarely covered by the child pornography statute. The company has also come under fire for its series ""Big Mouth,"" which includes cartoon depictions of children's genitals. Some will defend these gross depictions as ""art"" or constitutionally protected speech, but directors do not have carte blanche to break the law just because they call themselves ""artists."" And the Constitution does not protect the sexual exploitation of children; to the contrary, our laws are meant to protect children from exploitation. Netflix has a basic legal responsibility to not stream child pornography or otherwise promote the sexual exploitation of children. Even if one were to argue these images don't quite meet the threshold or barely meet the threshold of constituting child pornography, the fact we must even engage in this argument surely implies the images are, at best, indecent. Equally important is Netflix's moral duty to ensure that it does not disseminate obscene and lewd material featuring children, whether legal or not. This duty falls with equal weight on the many elites and celebrities who work with Netflix and are getting rich off its streaming empire. No less prominent a couple than former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, stand to make $65 million from a Netflix deal to film their life stories, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a deal some estimate to be $150 million to create ""family programming."" These leaders have the influence and indeed obligation to put pressure on Netflix to remove lewd and disgusting material like ""Cuties."" They are otherwise complicit. At the same time, the Department of Justice ought to investigate this film to determine whether it can bring charges against Netflix for distributing child pornography. The film and entertainment industries have exploited children for decades with few consequences. It's little surprise, then, that so many in the industry responded with defensiveness and shock to the outrage over ""Cuties"" - but it's no excuse. We all have a duty to protect the children under our care. When adults fail in that duty, young lives are harmed, predators are emboldened, and society itself is coarsened as a consequence. No ""art"" or ""social commentary"" can justify such a moral outrage.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1422,"Cotton, Gallagher Raise Chinese Lobbying Concerns to DOJ",2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 15, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430
September 15, 2020

Cotton, Gallagher Raise Chinese Lobbying Concerns to DOJ
Washington, D.C.  Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) sent a letter to Attorney General Bill Barr with concerns about the lobbying registration practices of Chinese military companies in the United States.

Specifically, the members asked whether representatives of companies like Huaweiwhich has been deemed a Chinese military firm by the Pentagonshould be required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Cotton and Gallagher calledfor the publication of a list of such firms by the Department of Defense last fall.

The letter may be found here. Full text of the letter is below:

September 15, 2020

The Honorable William P. Barr
Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20530

Dear Attorney General Barr,

We write to you today with concerns about the lobbying registration practices of individuals representing Chinese military companies in the United States.

As you know, on June 24, the Department of Defense (DOD)releaseda list of 20 Chinese military companies operating in the United States. On August 28, the DOD added 11 additional companies to the list. This report was required by Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999. Notably, the Pentagon deemed several Chinese technology companies, including Huawei, Hikvision, and China Telecom, to be military firms. We applaud the inclusion of these companies in the report, as we believe the DOD's determination accurately reflects these firms' close collaboration with the People's Liberation Army.

A number of individuals and firms representing these Chinese military companies in our nation's capital have registered under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), not the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).These lobbyists may claim that they do not represent a foreign government or foreign political party, and therefore are eligible for the LDA exemption to FARA. However, the U.S. government has determined that these Chinese firms are extensions of the armed forces of the People's Republic of China. That begs the question: Does the LDA exemption to FARA still apply in this case?

Alternatively, these lobbyists for Chinese military firms may be relying on FARA's commercial exemptionto justify registration only under the LDA.The Department of Justice's (DOJ) materials onFARAnote that the commercial exemption does not apply when the lobbying activities are directed by a foreign government or political party, or they directly promote the public or political interests of the foreign government or political party.With the formal U.S. government determination that these firms are Chinese military companies, doesFARA's commercial exemption clause still apply to these firms?

If these exemptions to FARA do not apply to the representatives of these Chinese military firms, does the DOJ believe that lobbyists for these firms must register underFARA?

We appreciate your consideration of this important matter and we look forward to continued cooperation with the Administration to safeguard our democratic process from influence by hostile foreign powers.

Sincerely,
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404206,"Womack, Ruppersberger Request GAO Review of National Guard State Partnership Program",2020-09-14,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Steve Womack,W000809,womack.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCSeptember 14, 2020.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2) today announced their request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review of the National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP). The members sent a letter asking for an updated strategic assessment of the program to ensure its objectives are being advanced and that the current framework is effectively supporting the U.S. National Defense Strategy.
    The members said, The State Partnership Program has proven to be a strong and cost-efficient initiative that has advanced American national security interests for decades. We must keep it that way. With today's ever-evolving threat landscape  including growing competition from China and Russia  this evaluation will provide recommendations to ensure the SPP is best equipped to confront the challenges we face as a nation. We want our defense resources optimized for our service members and American taxpayers.
    The bipartisan letter outlines how the SPP has not undergone a comprehensive study since 2012 and calls for an analysis of several different metrics, including program framework, objectives, milestones, performance, and a review of current partnerships. It asks that the GAO provide its findings in a written and unclassified report no later than January 15, 2021.
    Following the end of the Cold War, the SPP was established by the Pentagon to create constructive partnerships between state National Guards and newly independent countries of the former Soviet Union. It quickly became a key U.S. security tool, helping facilitate engagement across all aspects of international civil-military affairs and establishing diplomatic cooperation. The program  which currently has partnerships with 89 nations across the globe  is administered by the National Guard Bureau, guided by State Department foreign policy goals, and executed by the state adjutants general in support of combatant commander and U.S. Chief of Mission security cooperation objectives and Department of Defense policy goals. Arkansas's state partner is Guatemala and Maryland's are Estonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    The full text of the letter is available below:
    Dear Mr. Dodaro:
    The National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) connects 89 countries across the globe with highly trained, motivated U.S. subject matter experts to build capacity and address shared challenges. We believe the SPP represents an incredibly valuable and cost-effective tool for advancing American national security interests. However, in light of growing threats and opportunities, we feel it is time for an assessment to ensure that the program has sufficient resources and is fully aligned with the National Defense Strategy (NDS).
    We note that GAO has not conducted a comprehensive review of SPP since 2012. Therefore, based on our committee assignments, we request that GAO conduct a review of SPP focused on these questions: 
    
        Does a comprehensive oversight framework for SPP now exist?
        Does SPP have clear goals, objectives, metrics, and milestones?
        Are there sufficient mechanisms in place to accurately and consistently assess individual SPP programs according to those goals, objectives, metrics, and milestones?
        Based on these criteria, how are individual SPP programs performing?
        Are SPP programs fully aligned with the NDS?
        How is the NDS informing decisions to establish new SPP countries?
        Is there a full-time National Guard bilateral affairs officer in the U.S. embassy of every SPP country?
        Does the National Guard Bureau have sufficient resources to ensure proper program direction for state-level action officers?
        As the number of SPP countries has increased, has the level of resourcing kept pace?
    
    We request that the GAO provide its findings in a written and unclassified report no later than January 15, 2021. Thank you for your timely attention to this request.
    Sincerely,
    
    



Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations defense and transportation, housing and urban development subcommittees.
womack.house.gov
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/boozman-cardin-call-for-identifying-global-crisis-in-education-due-to-covid-19,"Boozman, Cardin Call for Identifying Global Crisis in Education Due to COVID-19",2020-09-14,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Ben Cardin (D-MD)have introduced legislationthat would help identify the scope of one of the most significant secondary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: education loss. School closures stemming from this global health crisis have affected over 1 billion students around the world and, according to a recent study by Save the Children, about 10 million students are in danger of permanently dropping out of school due to rising poverty related to the pandemic.
Understanding the impact COVID-19 has on the education of children around the world is important to our long-term investment in international education programs. Having detailed information about thesecurrent challenges will help us innovate the delivery of academic opportunities so students can continue to receive a quality education when faced with unexpected circumstances. I appreciate SenatorCardin's leadership to ensure no student is left behind,Boozman said.
Education loss due to the pandemic is going to reverberate throughout the globe long after COVID-19 is contained, and its impact will be more than empty classrooms. It has the potential to fuel hunger, poverty, and violence while undermining equality, especially for girls and young women, as well as stability all over the world. We have a responsibility to mitigate this crisis before an entire generation is left behind, said Cardin,ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee that oversees human rights and global women's issues. 
Serious educational gaps that existed before COVID-19 are being exacerbated as schools have been forced by the pandemic to transition to remote learning or close completely. Children and youth who were already vulnerable including girls and young women, refugees and those with disabilities are likely to be the worst impacted by this loss of access to education. TheGlobal Learning Loss Assessment Actnotes the major economic and humanitarian implications of this learning loss, as well as the significant shortage of global financing for international education programs that is predicted. It highlights the need for the United States to promote inclusive learning opportunities, help strengthen education systems and support the return of children to school across the globe.
The bill would require the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to submit a report within 90 days to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the impact of COVID-19 on global learning and basic education programs. It requires the report to be made publicly available and to include:
 
an assessment of the magnitude of global learning loss,
an analysis of how school closures affect marginalized children,
descriptions of forms of distance learning in low resource contexts,
data on Agency programs being carried out to continue learning during the pandemic, and
a description of theresources USAID needs to support education programs during and after the pandemic.
 
Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 
We cannot overstate the profound impact COVID-19 is having on education across the world,said Houlahan. This education gap has the potential to hinder global efforts on economic justice, lasting peace, poverty eradication, ending world hunger, gender equity and more. As a steadfast advocate for women and girls around the world, I'm particularly concerned about the harrowing consequences school-aged girls face in light of school closures  including an increased likelihood of gender-based violence. I am glad to be leading a bicameral effort with colleagues from across the aisle to ensure we in the United States are doing everything we can to mitigate the effects of such an education gap and stand up for the world's youth.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected every corner of US government, including foreign aid and development. USAID's mission is vital to America's international relationship building. Congress needs a thorough understanding of how the pandemic has impacted that mission if we hope to continue our global basic education programs successfully in the future,said Quigley and Fitzpatrick. USAID providing Congress with a report is the first step to developing that understanding and supporting USAID effectively moving forward.
A copy of theGlobal Learning Loss Assessment Actcan be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/providing-lifesaving-outreach-to-veterans,Providing Lifesaving Outreach to Veterans,2020-09-14,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Withpassage of theCommander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act,the Senate has taken actionto pave a new path forward in suicide prevention and implement an improved strategy to give hope and purpose to veterans who live with invisible injuries. This comprehensive bill will connect more veterans to mental healthcare services to show them their best days are ahead.
We know the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) existing suicide prevention programs are not doing enough to stem the tide of this national crisis. The VA estimates20 veterans commit suicide each day. That number has remained roughly unchanged despite an increase in funding. Only six of those 20 veterans are receiving healthcare services at the VA. By sharing information and collaborating with veteran-serving non-profits and other community organizations, we can expand our network and provide veterans with the help they need.
That's why I introduced theIMPROVE Well-being for Veterans Act,legislationto createa VA grant program toleverageveteran-serving non-profits and othercommunity networksand better measure the effectiveness of existing programs.The Senate-passed Hannon Act includes language from the IMPROVE bill to allow the VA to harness the ideas and successes of non-profits and community organizations that have built effective suicide prevention programs.
In Arkansas, we are blessed to have a variety of community-based groups providing support, services and outreach to at-risk veterans. It makes sense that we build off their successful results and provide support for positive outcomes to continue.
In Mountain Home, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter developed the Veteran Outreach Program to reduce and prevent veteran suicide. In the three years since this initiative was launched, veteran suicides have decreased by 30 percent in Baxter County.
The chapter's Vice Commander George Wolford, PhD recently submitted written testimony to the Senate VA Committee about the importance of the Senate-passed legislation and outlined how enhanced coordination between organizations like the Mountain Home DAV and the VA can benefit veterans. It is the personal contact at the local level that has made the difference, he wrote.
More than 50,000 organizations nationwide provide suicide prevention services for veterans. These groups developed effective programs to connect with veterans, provide support and save lives which is reversing suicide rates. Authorizing the VA to provide grants to non-profits in the community, establishing a framework to coordinate these efforts and expanding outreach to more veterans is an approach VA Secretary Robert Wilkie called key to unlocking the veteran suicide crisis.
Earlier this month, the secretary urged the House of Representatives to pass this bill. This follows calls by more than 30 veteran community organizations encouraging House members to quickly pass the landmark legislation.
We are moving in the right direction, but we're nearing the end of the 116thCongress. Time is of the essence or we will have to restart the legislative process. The longer we wait to have this bill signed into law, the more veterans we fail to support with this new approach. I applaud the Senate for advancing this bill, and I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to quickly approve this legislation so we canreassure veterans that a bright future is ahead of them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7740,ICYMI: Rep. Hill Op-Ed in Saline Courier: Remembering the Fallen,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Little Rock, Ark.Today, on the nineteenth anniversary of the worst attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, the Saline Courier featured Rep. French Hill's op-ed remembering this tragedy and honoring the lives that were lost.  
The full op-ed is copied below.



    
        
            
        
    


  

Remembering the Fallen
Saline Courier
By: Congressman French Hill  

On September 11th each year, I honor the 2,977 victims who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and four hijacked planes 19 years ago. September 11, 2001, will forever be etched in our minds and hearts as a solemn day where innocent men and women were killed in what became the greatest attack on this nation since Pearl Harbor.I remember the days and months following the attack when our country was trying to piece itself together and patriotism shined forth in our beloved nation. Today, with the current public health and economic crisis plaguing our nation, we face a different type of struggle, but we will overcome the difficulties and head towards a better tomorrow. Arkansans are resilient, and our collective love of country, state, and community will carry us through. As we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, may we reflect on their sacrifice and those of the patriots who have come after them. We will never forget those we lost or the heroism of the brave firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who selflessly charged into danger to save everyone they could. Nor will we forget the passengers and crew of Flight 93  unknown to one another  who put service above self in an act of courage and defiance that saved an untold number of lives. On the 19th anniversary of September 11, I pray for the families who have lost loved ones and friends who no longer have their companion. May their cherished memories of good times, laughter, and happiness never fade. I pray for the safety and security of the American people and the protection of our armed forces. As always, we stand together against those who wish to do us harm and remain united as one nation under God.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7741,Hill Applauds $10 Million Grant Funding for Pulaski County,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Little Rock, Ark. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) congratulated Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde on the $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The Arkansas Department of Transportation was awarded a DOT Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant for Fiscal Year 2020. This grant money will bolster the $40 million Infrastructure For Rebuilding America grant that the Arkansas Department of Transportation was awarded in June. Together, these grants will support the reconstruction and improvement of two sections of U.S. Highway 67 northeast of Little Rock. In addition, the project will widen U.S. Highway 67 from four to six lanes, construct an overpass, convert frontage roads to one-way operation, and rebuild two interchanges.
This is exciting news for Arkansas, for Pulaski County, and for the City of Little Rock. In central Arkansas, U.S. Highway 67 is an urban freeway, linking the residents of Cabot and Jacksonville with area employers, educational institutions, military facilities, retail centers, and leisure activities. This grant will help move people and commerce along this corridor faster and more safely and will support jobs in central Arkansas. With average daily traffic ranging from 34,000 to 53,000, the current condition of U.S. Highway 67 corridor in central Arkansas no longer meets travel demands, with deteriorated pavement conditions and outdated freeway specifications,said Rep. Hill.I was proud to support Judge Hyde's and the state's grant application and commend the U.S. Department of Transportation for investing in our state's transportation network, which will have a transformational effect on the area, benefitting generations to come.
Enhancing our transportation infrastructure is a priority for Pulaski County Government. I am thankful for the efforts of Senator Boozman, Senator Cotton, and Representative Hill, who encouraged the Department of Transportation to approve funding for upgrades to our infrastructure. These funds will advance our efforts for continued transportation improvements,said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde.
On behalf of the many road users that will benefit, the Arkansas Department of Transportation thanks our Congressional Delegation for their advocacy and support that was instrumental in the award of the BUILD Grants to Arkansas. The additional funding will expedite construction of these important projects,said Lorie Tudor, Director, Arkansas Department of Transportation.
This Administration is making significant investments in infrastructure, and this $1 billion in BUILD grants will repair, rebuild and revitalize transportation systems across America,said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/icymi-boozman-thanks-arkansas-health-care-workers-during-august,ICYMI: Boozman Thanks Arkansas Health Care Workers During August,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"During August, I had the privilege of visiting our great health care workers at several hospitals and clinics across the state.
These visits gave me an opportunity to hear from frontline health care workers to gain an inside look into the needs of Arkansas's health care system during the COVID-19 public health emergency. I appreciate their dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality care to Arkansans. Their resilience and bravery have not gone unnoticed and is greatly valued by us all.
I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure our frontline heroes are fully equipped with every resource necessary to care for COVID-19 patients while keeping themselves safe.
Here are some of the highlights from my visits as covered by media outlets in Arkansas:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1419,Cotton Statement on September 11th,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 11, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430
September 11, 2020

Cotton Statement on September 11th

Washington, D.C.  Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:

Nineteen years ago, Al Qaeda terrorists attacked our country because they thought we were cowardly and weak. They learned that day how wrong they were, as Americans responded to the horror of September 11 with remarkable bravery and resolve. Office workers carried their colleagues to safety through choking smoke and ash. First responders raced into harm's way to save othersmany never to return, like the heroic firefighters of Ladder 118. And just weeks later, America's finest troops touched down in Afghanistan to take the fight to the enemy. America will never forget these heroes, just as we'll never forget the many Americans who perished in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field on September 11.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1420,Cotton Appointed to Opioid Commission,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 11, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430
September 11, 2020

Cotton Appointed to Opioid Commission

Washington, D.C.  Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) has been appointed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking. Created by Senators Cotton and Schumer in their Fentanyl Sanctions Actwhich was passed as part of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Actthe Commission is tasked with developing a strategy to stop the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States.

""Synthetic opioids are produced in countries like China and then shipped to the United States, where the drugs kill tens of thousands of Americans each year. We need a comprehensive strategy to shut down this deadly trade, and I'm honored to be chosen by Leader McConnell for this assignment, said Cotton.

Background:

 The Commission comprises theDirectorof the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; Administrator of the DEA;Secretary of Homeland Security; Secretary of Defense; Secretary of the Treasury;Secretary of State; Director of National Intelligence; and two members each (one who is a member of their respective chamber of Congress and one who is not) appointed by theSenate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader,Speaker of the House, and House Minority Leader.
 Senators Cotton and Markey were appointed to fill the member slots.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1421,Cotton Statement on Agreement Between Israel and Bahrain,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 11, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and Bahrain: ""Today's agreement between Israel and Bahrain is yet another vital step toward peace in the Middle East. I congratulate Prime Minister Netanyahu and King Hamad for reaching this agreement, and the president and his team for their bold diplomatic efforts that made this breakthrough possible.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://crawford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399395,Arkansas Delegation Announces Major DOT Awards for US 67 & Railroad Overpass in Monticello,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Rick Crawford,C001087,crawford.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Boozman, Patrick Creamer (Patrick_Creamer@boozman.senate.gov)
Cotton, James Arnold (James_Arnold@cotton.senate.gov)
Crawford, Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov)
Hill, Jeff Naft (Jeff.Naft@mail.house.gov)
Womack,AlexiaSikora (Alexia.Sikora@mail.house.gov)
Westerman, Rebekah Hoshiko (Rebekah.Hoshiko@mail.house.gov) 

Arkansas Delegation Announces Major DOT Awards for US 67 & Railroad Overpass in Monticello

WASHINGTONU.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanannounced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $10 million for improvements to U.S. Highway 67 northeast of Little Rock and $4 million for the construction of a railroad overpass in Monticello.
DOT awarded a $10 million grant from the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program which will be used to widen U.S. Highway 67 from four to six lanes, construct an overpass, convert frontage roads to one-way operation and reconstruct two interchanges. This grant follows a $40 million award the project received from DOT's Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA)program in June.
This is great news for Arkansas, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to make U.S. Highway 67 an interstate-quality road. This funding will bring us closer to completing Future I-57, which is key for making the communities around it even more attractive places to live, work or start a business,delegation members said.
An additional $4 million BUILD grant was awarded by DOT for the construction of a railroad overpass on the north-south connector from U.S. Highway 278 to the Arkansas Highway 83 Spur in Monticello. The project will create better access to emergency health care and improve the overall safety of the route by allowing a safe bypass of the rail tracks for vehicular traffic.
Growth in Monticello has led to congestion and safety challenges, specifically on the north-south connector which is used to access critical medical care. Fortunately, officials from the city and Drew County have a plan to alleviate these concerns. This BUILD grant will help supplement local investment to add an overpass to the north-south connector so vehicular traffic can move in a safe and timely manner,delegation members said.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao noted that these grants were part of a larger announcement to fund critical surface transportation projects across the nation.
This Administration is making significant investments in infrastructure, and this $1 billion in BUILD grants will repair, rebuild and revitalize transportation systems across America,said Secretary Chao.
We are grateful for President Trump and Secretary Chao's continued commitment to the infrastructure needs of our state,delegation members said.
-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7742,ICYMI: Rep. Hill Op-Ed in Log Cabin Democrat: Working to Prevent Suicide,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Little Rock, Ark.Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, the Log Cabin Democrat featured Rep. French Hill's op-ed about the need to prevent this national tragedy.Rep. Hill wrote that ordinary citizens can help save a life simply by being kind to others, and knowing the warning signs of depression. If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please dial 911, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.  
 The full op-ed is copied below.



    
        
            
        
    


  

Working to Prevent Suicide
Log Cabin Democrat
By: Congressman French Hill  

Tragically, every 14 hours someone in Arkansas dies by suicide. Every 84 minutes, a veteran commits suicide somewhere in the United States. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in America, and I invite all Arkansans to have a conversation about suicide this month, in honor of National Suicide Prevention month. Through open hearts and true dialogue, we can help to remove the stigma of suicide and mental health.For too long, we have avoided discussing the difficult topic of suicide. As the second leading cause of death for individuals ten to 34 the fourth individuals between 35 and 54, confronting suicide is the first step towards lowering suicide rates. Our military heroes are especially vulnerable. We lose more than 6,000 veterans every year due to suicide. On average, 17 veterans are taking their own lives every day. Death by suicide is a national tragedy that Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs, non-profits, community-based organizations, private businesses, and regular citizens need to join forces to correct. The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) established by Congress in 2007 could amplify our efforts to reduce the suicide rate of our nation's heroes. Talking about suicide, and mental health, can seem overwhelming. The truth is that specialized training is not needed to prevent suicide. You can save a life by being alert to the warning signs. Simply being kind to someone in need, and checking in on friends and family can make a difference. To anyone struggling, or if you have a loved one you are concerned about, reach out. You are not alone. Help is available 24 /7 through 911 or the national suicide prevention lifeline: (800) 273-8255. My office also stands ready to help in any way that we can; please call us at (501) 324-5941. Suicide is a complicated public health issue that affects all communities across the United States. For my part, I will continue to vote in favor of legislation that supports mental health programs that save lives, because one life lost to suicide is one too many.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404202,Womack Receives Empowering Kids Award for Outstanding Community Partner,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Steve Womack,W000809,womack.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCSeptember 10, 2020.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today received the Empowering Kids Award for Outstanding Community Partner' from the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) of Benton County. The honor recognizes his longstanding work to support the CAC's mission of empowering and helping children.
Congressman Womack said, Our community is strong because of the people who answer the call to help others. The Children's Advocacy Center does that each day. I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive this award  but the real heroes are the staff of the Children's Advocacy Center. Their work truly changes lives and provides healing and support to children in need. It is my privilege to work alongside them and support Arkansas's future by protecting the most vulnerable among us.
Natalie Tibbs, Executive Director of the CAC of Benton County, said, Representative Womack has stood as a tireless leader for the CAC from our start, and he has continually encouraged others to get involved to help children in need. From his time as Mayor of Rogers  and now as a Congressman  he's always supported efforts to eliminate child abuse and protect children in our community. We are beyond grateful for the continued and faithful support of Congressman Womack to the CAC and, most importantly, to the children.
Throughout the past 20 years, Congressman Womack has steadfastly worked with the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) of Benton County. During the virtual award presentation, CAC leadership noted his work that aided the creation of the Cherishing Children Pinwheel Rally, direct and sustained contact with staff, consistent advocacy to bring awareness to organization services, and support to help the CAC expand to a satellite facility. Additionally, you can watch a message from Rep. Womack accepting the award here.
The CAC of Benton County is a nonprofit that provides a safe place for child abuse victims and their families to receive comprehensive services, including child advocacy, medical examinations, forensic interviews,counseling, and abuse prevention education, in a child-friendly atmosphere. Their mission is to increase the ability of child abuse victims and their non-offending family members to lead lives free of abuse and the trauma they have experienced.
Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations defense and transportation, housing and urban development subcommittees.
womack.house.gov
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404203,Arkansas Delegation Announces Major DOT Awards for US 67 & Railroad Overpass in Monticello,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Steve Womack,W000809,womack.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCSeptember 10, 2020.U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack, and Bruce Westermanannounced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $10 million for improvements to U.S. Highway 67 northeast of Little Rock and $4 million for the construction of a railroad overpass in Monticello.
DOT awarded a $10 million grant from the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program which will be used to widen U.S. Highway 67 from four to six lanes, construct an overpass, convert frontage roads to one-way operation and reconstruct two interchanges. This grant follows a $40 million award the project received from DOT's Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA)program in June.
This is great news for Arkansas, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to make U.S. Highway 67 an interstate-quality road. This funding will bring us closer to completing Future I-57, which is key for making the communities around it even more attractive places to live, work or start a business, delegation members said.
An additional $4 million BUILD grant was awarded by DOT for the construction of a railroad overpass on the north-south connector from U.S. Highway 278 to the Arkansas Highway 83 Spur in Monticello. The project will create better access to emergency health care and improve the overall safety of the route by allowing a safe bypass of the rail tracks for vehicular traffic.
Growth in Monticello has led to congestion and safety challenges, specifically on the north-south connector which is used to access critical medical care. Fortunately, officials from the city and Drew County have a plan to alleviate these concerns. This BUILD grant will help supplement local investment to add an overpass to the north-south connector so vehicular traffic can move in a safe and timely manner, delegation members said.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao noted that these grants were part of a larger announcement to fund critical surface transportation projects across the nation.
This Administration is making significant investments in infrastructure, and this $1 billion in BUILD grants will repair, rebuild and revitalize transportation systems across America, said Secretary Chao.
We are grateful for President Trump and Secretary Chao's continued commitment to the infrastructure needs of our state, delegation members said.
Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations defense and transportation, housing and urban development subcommittees.
womack.house.gov
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/arkansas-delegation-announces-major-dot-awards-for-us-67-railroad-overpass-in-monticello,Arkansas Delegation Announces Major DOT Awards for US 67 & Railroad Overpass in Monticello,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanannounced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $10 million for improvements to U.S. Highway 67 northeast of Little Rock and $4 million for the construction of a railroad overpass in Monticello.
DOT awarded a $10 million grant from the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program which will be used to widen U.S. Highway 67 from four to six lanes, construct an overpass, convert frontage roads to one-way operation and reconstruct two interchanges. This grant follows a $40 million award the project received from DOT's Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA)program in June.
This is great news for Arkansas, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to make U.S. Highway 67 an interstate-quality road. This funding will bring us closer to completing Future I-57, which is key for making the communities around it even more attractive places to live, work or start a business,delegation members said.
An additional $4 million BUILD grant was awarded by DOT for the construction of a railroad overpass on the north-south connector from U.S. Highway 278 to the Arkansas Highway 83 Spur in Monticello. The project will create better access to emergency health care and improve the overall safety of the route by allowing a safe bypass of the rail tracks for vehicular traffic. 
Growth in Monticello has led to congestion and safety challenges, specifically on the north-south connector which is used to access critical medical care. Fortunately, officials from the city and Drew County have a plan to alleviate these concerns. This BUILD grant will help supplement local investment to add an overpass to the north-south connector so vehicular traffic can move in a safe and timely manner,delegation members said.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao noted that these grants were part of a larger announcement to fund critical surface transportation projects across the nation.
This Administration is making significant investments in infrastructure, and this $1 billion in BUILD grants will repair, rebuild and revitalize transportation systems across America,said Secretary Chao.
We are grateful for President Trump and Secretary Chao's continued commitment to the infrastructure needs of our state,delegation members said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/boozman-statement-on-democrats-filibuster-of-targeted-covid-19-relief-package,Boozman Statement on Democrats Filibuster of Targeted COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement following Senate Democrats' filibuster of targeted coronavirus relief legislation that would offer further support to American families, workers, small businesses, schools and front line health care workers:
Today's vote is a disappointing development that leaves behind too many Americans in need in the name of partisanship. This targeted relief bill would have offered critical assistance to our communities, families, schools, small businesses and individuals inwaysthat most Republicans and Democrats actually agree. Instead of delivering a result, our Democratic colleagues chose to block progress on this package while also refusing to negotiate on any realistic solutions that stand a chance of becoming law.
I'm certain the frustration I feel about this lack of cooperation is shared by Arkansans and others across the country still feeling the coronavirus' impact and desperately looking for Congress to unite, like we did at the beginning of the pandemic, to provide relief.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1417,"Cotton, Loeffler Introduce Bill Package Cracking Down on Rioters",2020-09-09,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 9, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430
September 9, 2020

Cotton, Loeffler Introduce Bill Package Cracking Down on Rioters

Washington, D.C.  Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia) have introduced a series of bills intended to crack down on the rioters ransacking America's cities.

(1) The No Catch-and-Release for Rioters Act: creates a rebuttable presumption that a person charged with rioting should be held pending trial;

(2) The Rioting Restitution Act: creates a federal, private, civil cause of action against rioters who meet the federal definition of rioting, with treble damages allowed;

(3) The Support Peaceful Protest Act: makes federally-convicted rioters ineligible for virus-related supplemental unemployment benefits.

Under lenient leftist policies, insurrectionists around the country continue to pillage America's communities. It's past time we cracked down on their destructive actions. My legislation will incapacitate these rioters to prevent further destruction and increase their penalties, making the punishment fit their crimes, said Cotton.

American cities, businesses and livelihoods are being destroyed as a result of violent rioters and looters,said Loeffler.Enough is enough. The violence must stop, and it's time to hold these criminals and vandals accountable. This is a strong package of bills that puts us one step closer toensuring our communitiesaresafe and secure. 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1418,Senator Cotton Honored to be on Supreme Court List,2020-09-09,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 9, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline TablerorJames Arnold (202) 734-0430
September 9, 2020

Senator Cotton Honored to be on Supreme Court List

Washington, D.C.  Earlier today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) was named as a potential U.S. Supreme Court nominee by President Trump. After the announcement, Senator Cotton released the following statement:

I'm honored that President Trump asked me to consider serving on the Supreme Court and I'm grateful for his confidence.I will always heed the call of service to our nation.The Supreme Court could use some more justices who understand the difference between applying the law and making the law, which the Court does when it invents a right to an abortion, infringes on religious freedom, and erodes the Second Amendment.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/helping-arkansas-families-fight-hunger-insecurity,Helping Arkansas Families Fight Hunger Insecurity,2020-09-08,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As students begin the new school year, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that summer meal program operators can continue serving free meals to all children until the end of the calendar year.
Secretary Perdue's announcement extends U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waivers for the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option through the end of 2020, or until available funding runs out. Specifically, USDA's actions will allow these programs to serve meals in all areas, at no cost, and without requiring children to dine in group settings or at mandated times. Meal pattern requirements will be waived as necessary, and parents and guardians will be allowed to pick-up meals for their children.
This move is a welcome development. As COVID-19 continues to impact the Natural State, the challenges and anxieties it brings for Arkansas families persist as well. USDA's decision will provide some relief for parents as their children return to school, or remote learning, by ensuring that students continue to have access to healthy, nutritious meals.
Earlier this summer, I joined with several of my Senate colleagues to call on USDA to provide flexibilities to enable schools and other organizations to continue to offer free meals through the department's child nutrition programs. We wanted to ensure that parents with children who rely on these programs would have one less worry for the new school year.
Over 300,000 children in Arkansas are eligible for assistance during the academic year. Many of these families were already struggling to make ends meet before the coronavirus crisis. In most cases, they have found themselves facing even more difficult financial hardships as a result of COVID-19's hit to our economy. 
Thankfully there has been help for Arkansas families struggling to put food on the table. On a recent visit to the Arkansas Foodbank in Little Rock, I was updated on the organization's efforts to combat hunger during the COVID-19 crisis. Employees and volunteers at the Arkansas Foodbank have distributed 17.2 million pounds of food since Marcha 39 percent increase from that same time frame last year. They have distributed over 120,000 boxes of food through the organization's partner schools and agencies during that same time period.
The Arkansas Foodbank's website has also had a dramatic spike in traffic over the past few months, resulting in a 45 percent increase in visits. A large portion of those views were from Arkansans searching for food, with additional requests coming via social media and text messages at a higher-than-normal volume than the food bank has experienced in the past.
I heard similar stories during a recent visit to the NWA Food Bank. Hunger relief organizations across the state, and across our nation, continue to see significant increases in need. Congress provided billions of dollars for food assistance in the coronavirus relief packages passed into law earlier this year, with much of that funding going directly to help those in need. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I am committed to helping these vital organizations provide healthy, nutritious food to Arkansans in need.
Fighting hunger in normal times takes an all-of-the-above approach across every level of government. That becomes even more important as we face a public health emergency. I am pleased USDA is taking steps to help, and I will continue to work with the administration and my colleagues to ensure that hunger relief programs remain a priority.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/thanking-our-everyday-heroes,Thanking Our Everyday Heroes,2020-09-04,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"When COVID-19 hit the U.S. early this year, about one-third of Americans began working from home to limit contact with others and slow the spread of the virus. However, many people still had to keep their businesses operating in order to keep essential infrastructure in place. Because of their work, we could consistently rely on stocked grocery store shelves and a functioning supply chain.
During Congress's annual August work period, I was able to travel around the Fourth District and thank some of these everyday heroes in person. From grocery store clerks, to truck drivers, to PPE suppliers, to farm workers, thousands of people immediately shifted operations to meet an increased demand. Places like Tanner's Sports and Crystal Ridge Distillery in Hot Springs began producing protective equipment like masks and hand sanitizer. First responders showed up to work every day to keep our communities safe. Community State Bank helped small businesses with the Paycheck Protection Program and the Cup of Water Food Pantry provided food for people out of work. Across the state, trucking companies got food and other essential items where they needed to be.
This is just a small sampling of the hundreds of thousands of business owners and workers who kept America running during a global pandemic. Without them, life as we know it would've ground to a halt. As always, Arkansans rose to meet a challenge head-on, and I'm so grateful for their service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-concludes-everyday-heroes-tour,Westerman Concludes Everyday Heroes Tour,2020-09-03,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) released the following statement after concluding his Everyday Heroes tour:

""When COVID-19 hit, Arkansans stepped up to the plate and kept our country running. From grocery store clerks, to truck drivers, to PPE suppliers, to farm workers, thousands of people immediately shifted operations to meet an increased demand. I'm so glad I've had the opportunity this month to thank many of the men and women who worked behind the scenes to keep shelves stocked and supply chains running during the pandemic. Each of you are heroes, and I'm grateful for your service to fellow Americans!""

Background

During the 2020 August work period, Westerman traveled around the Fourth District to thank the men and women who kept businesses operating during COVID-19. In total, he visited:

Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce | Hot Springs, Ark.

Tanner's Sports | Hot Springs, Ark.

Hot Springs Police Department | Hot Springs, Ark.

Crystal Ridge Distillery | Hot Springs, Ark.

Community State Bank | Bradley, Ark.

Texarkana Regional Airport | Texarkana, Ark.

Pafford Medical Services | Hope, Ark.

CV's Family Foods | Ozark, Ark.

I-40 Travel Center | Ozark, Ark.

Coleman Family Pharmacy | Alma, Ark.

Alma Fire Department | Alma, Ark.

Shelby Taylor Trucking | Sheridan, Ark.

PLD Transport | Malvern, Ark.

Cup of Water Food Pantry | Malvern, Ark.

Ricky Nelms Logging | Crossett, Ark.

Morris Transportation Services | Hamburg, Ark.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1416,Cotton Statement on Vandalism of Little Rock Fallen Officers Memorial,2020-09-03,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 3, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430
September 3, 2020

Cotton Statement on Vandalism of Little Rock Fallen Officers Memorial

Washington, D.C.  After the Little Rock Police Memorial for Fallen Officers was defaced by the words defund the police, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement:

The vandalism of the Little Rock Police Memorial for Fallen Officers is egregious, and those responsible for this act will be caught and held accountable.

To the families of the police officers whose names are enshrined on this memorial: your loved ones gave their lives in the service of their fellow man and have forever earned the love and appreciation of Arkansans. No pathetic act of vandalism will ever change that fact. The criminals who defaced their memoryand their politically-motivated supporterswill be lost to history, but the names of our fallen officers will always be honored and remembered.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/boozman-colleagues-urge-dod-to-reinstate-stars-and-stripes-funding,"Boozman, Colleagues Urge DoD to Reinstate Stars and Stripes Funding",2020-09-02,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and a bipartisan group of their colleagues in calling on the Department of Defense (DoD) to reinstate funding for the Stars and Stripes newspaper, an independent military publication. DoD currently plans to stoppublishing the newspaper at the end of the monthanddissolve the organization by January 31, 2021.
StarsandStripesis an essential part of our nation's freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom,the senators wrote.Therefore, we respectfully request that you rescind your decision to discontinue support for Stars and Stripes and that you reinstate the funding necessary for it to continue operations.
Boozman has been an advocate for continued funding for the newspaper. In July, he wrotethis columnabout the valuable role Stars and Stripes provides.
The full text of the letter is availablehereand below.
Dear Secretary Esper,
We write to express our concern about your decision to discontinue support forStars andStripes. The $15.5 million currently allocated for the publication ofStarsandStripesis only a tiny fraction of your Department's annual budget,andcutting it would have a significantly negative impact on military familiesanda negligible impact on the Department's bottom line.
StarsandStripesis a historically significant publication in our country. It originated during the Civil Warandhas been published continuously since World War II to provide independent, nonpartisan,andaward-winning journalism to more than 1.4 million readers among our active duty forces, veterans, civilians,andtheir families.
It wasStarsandStripesthat revealed the Defense Department's use of public relations firms that profiled reportersandsteered them toward favorable coverage of the war in Afghanistan. Most recently, the paper brought to light the failure of schools on U.S. military installations to shut down during the pandemic, despite Japanese public schools doing so. These stories illustrate whyStarsandStripesis essential: they report on stories that no one else covers.
We understandthat DoD plans to cease publication ofStarsandStripeson September 30, 2020andcompletely dissolve the organization by January 31, 2021 as a result of the proposed termination of funding in the fiscal year 2021 President's budget. We urge you to take steps to preserve the funding prerogatives of Congress before allowing any such disruption to take place, for the following reasons.
First, the House-passed version of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2021, contains additional funding not requested by the Administration to continue operatingStarsandStripes. Second, the Senate has not yet released a defense appropriations bill, nor had an opportunity to conference with the House position, leaving it as a real possibility that Congress may not agree with the proposal to eliminate this funding. Third, the standard text of a continuing resolution  that funds are provided at a rate of operations for continuing projectsandactivities as provided for in the previous year's Department of Defense Appropriations Act  places a legal obligation on the Department to not act on a termination of a program until a full-year appropriations bill is enacted. We seek your written assurance that the Department will comply with this obligationandavoid steps that would preempt the funding prerogatives of Congress.
StarsandStripesis an essential part of our nation's freedom of the press that serves the very population charged with defending that freedom. Therefore, we respectfully request that you rescind your decision to discontinue support forStarsandStripesandthat you reinstate the funding necessary for it to continue operations. We appreciate your attention to this important matterandlook forward to your response.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/covid-19-current-visitation-status-of-washington-dc-sites,"UPDATED: Current Visitation Status of Washington, DC Sites",2020-09-02,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"**IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ARKANSANS CONSIDERING TRAVELING TO THE WASHINGTON, DC AREA**
 
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowers issuedOrder 2020-081on July 24, 2020 which requires all personsarriving tothe District of Columbiafrom coronavirus high-risk areasto self-quarantine for 14 days.
High-risk areas are locations where the seven-day moving average of the daily new COVID-19 case rate is 10 or more per 100,000 persons.
Arkansas is among the states currently listed as a ""high-risk area"" in the Mayor's order, which would require a 14-day self-quarantine on the part of travelers upon arrival into the city.
Arkansas remains on the mayor's most updated list of ""high-risk areas.""
 
-----
When Arkansans visit Washington, D.C., I strive to make their trips enjoyable and memorable. However, due to growing health and safety concerns relative to the evolving COVID-19 coronavirus, it is important to note thatpublic visits and tours of many of the popular sites in Washington have been suspended.
Please consult the list below for the current visitation status of sites. If you have additional questions, please call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-4843.
U.S. Capitol BuildingStatus:Closed to the public until further notice.  Check for updates:https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol
White House  Status: The White House has resumed public tours, on an extremely limited basis, at a dramatically scaled down level. Tours will be hosted two days a week instead of five, only on Friday and Saturday, from 8:00AM to 11:00AM. The number of individuals allowed in for tours will be held at under twenty percent of normal tour capacity. Requests must be submitted at least one month in advance. Please note that our office can only submit a request to the White House for your tour. All decisions about tour dates and times are made by the White House and subject to last minute rescheduling or cancellation. Confirmed tour guests will be notified by White House email approximately two weeks in advance and will receive detailed information on additional health and safety precautions in place at that time. All guests (ages 2 years and over) are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing during their visit to the White House complex.   Check for updates: Call my Washington, DC office at 202-224-4843
U.S. Supreme CourtStatus:Closed to the public until further notice.  Check for updates:https://www.supremecourt.gov/announcements/COVID-19.aspx
PentagonStatus:Public tours suspended until further notice.  Check for updates:https://pentagontours.osd.mil/Tours/
Arlington CemeteryStatus:Closed to visitors; funerals proceed as scheduled.   Check for updates:https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/COVID-19
Smithsonian Institution Museums & the National ZooStatus: National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm and requires timed-entry passes. Face-coverings are required for visitors ages six and older. TheNational Zoo is open daily from 8am to 4pm and requires timed-entry passes. Face-coverings are required for visitors ages six and older.All other Smithsonian Institution museums will remain temporarily closed.  Check for updates: https://www.si.edu/visit/hours
Library of CongressStatus: All Library of Congress buildings and facilities will be closed to the public, including researchers and others with reader identification cardsuntil further notice. Furthermore,all Library-sponsored public programs and public tours are postponed or canceled until September 1.  Check for updates:https://www.loc.gov/about/pandemic-information/for-public/
United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumStatus:Temporarily closed.  Check for updates:https://www.ushmm.org/
National ArchivesStatus:Closed to the public until further notice.  Check for updates:https://www.archives.gov/coronavirus
FBI HeadquartersStatus:Closed to all visitors until further notice.Check for updates:https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/fbi-headquarters/the-fbi-experience
Bureau of Engraving and PrintingStatus:Public tours temporarily suspended.  Check for updates:http://www.bep.gov
United States MintStatus:Closed until further notice.  Check for updates:https://www.usmint.gov/about/mint-tours-facilities
The Kennedy CenterStatus:Most previously scheduled performances and events scheduled at the Kennedy Center through the end of 2020 have been canceled.The JFK Memorial is open for viewing Wedensday through Sunday from 10am-5pm. All visitors are required to wear a mask or face covering while in the building.  Check for updates:https://www.kennedy-center.org/news-room/closure-update/
Ford's TheatreStatus:Closed until further notice.  Check for updates:https://www.fords.org/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/jonesboro-sun-cooperative-strives-for-rural-connectivity,JONESBORO SUN: Cooperative strives for rural connectivity,2020-09-02,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"JONESBORO  The coronavirus pandemic has changed internet connectivity from a luxury to a necessity, and Arkansas' electric cooperatives have been in the forefront of bringing broadband internet to the state's rural areas.


The co-ops have a history of pushing Arkansas forward, U.S. Sen. John Boozman said Tuesday during a visit to Craighead Electric Cooperative Inc. in Jonesboro.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1415,Cotton Statement on Sanctions Against ICC Prosecutor,2020-09-02,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 2, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430
September 2, 2020

Cotton Statement on Sanctions Against ICC Prosecutor

Washington, D.C.  Following reports that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced sanctions against International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement:

The United States will not tolerate political attacks against its servicemembers by the ICC, a court which has no jurisdiction over Americans. By sanctioning prosecutor Bensouda, the administration is defending American sovereignty and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/cheap-home-coronavirus-tests-exist-why-aren-t-we-using-them,"Cheap, At-Home Coronavirus Tests Exist. Why Arent We Using Them?",2020-09-01,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Eight months into a global pandemic, we've learned a lot about the virus and how to respond, but a lot of questions remain unanswered. With schools and universities reopening and more employees going back into the office, effective testing for COVID-19 is more important than ever. In fact, we already have the technology for widespread, at-home testing. Why is it not more available?
First, we need to look at what's gotten us to this point. We constantly require more testing, but a lack of effective technology severely limited availability in the early months of COVID-19. Combine that with a shortage of consumables like nasal swabs and chemical reagents and a limit in lab capacity, and we are looking at average test result times of two to three days at best, up to a week or more at worst. Most Americans have resigned themselves to accepting that this is the new normal, but we don't have to settle for these numbers when alternative options exist. More on that in a minute.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 testing in three categories:
 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests that look for viral RNA.
	Serum antibody tests that check your blood to determine if you were previously exposed to the virus and have since recovered. I took a test like this when I donated blood and found out that I have the COVID-19 antibodies.
	Antigen tests that detect viral proteins specific to the virus.
 The FDA granted the first PCR EUA on Feb. 4 and the first serum test on April 1; however, they didn't even release guidance on antigen testing until mid-May and waited until July 29 to release guidance for at-home antigen testing. Only two antigen tests have received EUAs by meeting the FDA's strict 80 percent sensitivity rating, and both are subject to the same bottleneck of needing to be performed in a lab versus at home. The PCR-RNA tests are more sensitive in detecting trace amounts of the virus, but this can cause confusion as to what stage of the life cycle of the virus a patient is experiencing.
You may be asking, if these antigen tests have a lower sensitivity rating, why should we use them at all? Let's use the example of an employee going to work. On Monday, he receives a negative test before work, spends the day at his desk, and contracts COVID-19 later that evening. On Tuesday or Wednesday, then, he would take more tests, realize he had the virus, and subsequently self-quarantine to prevent infecting others. The goal here is to provide enough tests that the employee could take one every day before work. When his viral antigen levels become high enough to make him infectious, the antigen test will be positive.
Contrast this with other forms of testing, in which the employee may never feel ill or display symptoms, so the likelihood of him going to get tested is very low. If he does go to a traditional facility to be tested once, he could still contract the virus later that week without ever knowing it. These infrequent tests make the chance of people unknowingly transmitting COVID-19 far more likely. Even if this employee never has the virus, waiting days to receive test results back from a lab may lead to him having to self-quarantine unnecessarily. The way we currently perform testing, millions of Americans can be asymptomatic carriers and never know.
Paper antigen strips should be the preferred method of COVID-19 testing. They're cheap, accessible and, most importantly, fast. The technology works by testing for fragments of viral proteins in an individual's nasal cavity or saliva, but can be administered in a non-laboratory setting (think a home, school, workplace) and display a positive or negative result within 10 to 15 minutes, much like a pregnancy test. This would enable us to identify who is infectious, as the antigen test is accurate when the viral load is high enough for a person to be contagious. The possibility of widespread rapid testing can bring our schools, workplaces and nation back up to speed without endangering millions of high-risk individuals.
This is not some pie-in-the-sky idea; these are real solutions that exist right now and should be a central part of our ongoing COVID-19 response. I sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn urging him to revise guidance for non-laboratory rapid antigen tests, which would allow more paper antigen tests to receive EUAs. In the interest of public health, time is of the essence and revised guidance would jumpstart production and enable Congress to take funding action to get these tests into people's homes for daily use.
America has shown incredible resilience in the face of COVID-19. Many of you have stayed home to care for children and limit contact with friends and many of you have continued going to work to care for the sick and keep our food supply chain up and running. In just a few months, we went from knowing next to nothing about the virus to performing more than 70 million tests in the U.S. Yet we are far from finished, and if we want to move the country into the next phase of recovery, we require creative solutions. The evidence is clear: antigen testing works, and therefore must be part of this solution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/boozman-urges-expansion-of-aviation-workforce-training,Boozman Urges Expansion of Aviation Workforce Training,2020-09-01,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), co-chair of the Senate General Aviation Caucus, joined a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urging them to fully implement two aviation workforce grant programs authorized in the 2018FAAReauthorization bill that invest in, and expand the development of, the next generation of aircraft pilots and maintenance technicians.

As the Senators note in their letter, these innovative programs will help develop badly-needed workforce training in the aviation industry, helping the industry to partner with local governments, schools, and labor groups to provide training. In turn, this training will help close the current skills-gap preventing Americans from accessing these good-paying jobs and spur future economic activity.
Given the broad, bipartisan support for the grant programs on Capitol Hill, and among schools, industry, and labor, we are disappointed that they are not yet operating. Understanding that establishing a workforce grant program is new to the Federal Aviation Administration, we urge you to initiate them before the end of the current fiscal year,the Senators wrote.
They go on to highlight the importance of these two programs, noting,The grant program for pilot education will support the creation and delivery of curriculum designed to provide high school students with meaningful science, technology, engineering, math and aviation education. This program has the potential to grow our nation's pilot workforce by encouraging our nation's youth to become the next generation of commercial, general aviation, drone or military pilots. The grant program for aviation technicians will address the well-documented maintenance industry skills gap by encouraging and facilitating collaboration between schools, government, labor and industry to recruit and train the technical talent America's aerospace sector will require to keep the nation's aircraft operating safely and efficiently. 
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) led the letter. In addition to Boozman, it was cosigned by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Hoeven (R-NC), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), John Thune (R-SD), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The full text of the letter is availablehereand below.
Dear Secretary Chao and Administrator Dickson:
Section 625 of theFAAReauthorization Act of 2018(P.L. 115-254) authorized two aviation workforce grant programs to facilitate the development of the next generation of aircraft pilots and maintenance technicians. Congress fully funded the programs for fiscal year (FY) 2020 in theFurther Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020(P.L. 116-94).
Given the broad, bipartisan support for the grant programs on Capitol Hill, and among schools, industry, and labor, we are disappointed that they are not yet operating. Understanding that establishing a workforce grant program is new to the Federal Aviation Administration, we urge you to initiate them before the end of the current fiscal year.
The grant program for pilot education will support the creation and delivery of curriculum designed to provide high school students with meaningful science, technology, engineering, math and aviation education. This program has the potential to grow our nation's pilot workforce by encouraging our nation's youth to become the next generation of commercial, general aviation, drone or military pilots.
The grant program for aviation technicians will address the well-documented maintenance industry skills gap by encouraging and facilitating collaboration between schools, government, labor and industry to recruit and train the technical talent America's aerospace sector will require to keep the nation's aircraft operating safely and efficiently.
The ongoing pandemic-related economic disruptions only heighten the urgency and need for these programs. Due in particular to the increased pace of aviation sector retirements in recent months, when industry business conditions return to pre-pandemic levels, the need for pilots and technicians will be more acute than before. By awarding grants now to encourage innovation in training and recruitment, the federal government can have a positive and lasting impact on the aviation workforce, as intended by Congress.
These important programs have been authorized for almost two years, and there is significant interest by stakeholders to establish them. With the end of fiscal year fast approaching, we strongly encourage you to get both grant programs up and running in the coming weeks.

 Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1414,Cotton Applauds DOJ FISA Reforms,2020-09-01,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AR,Tom Cotton,C001095,www.cotton.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 1, 2020
																
							
						
						
						
						
					
					
				
			
		
						
					
				Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement after Attorney General Barr announced reforms to the FISA program:   ""Attorney General Barr continues to make necessary reforms to the Department of Justice's FISA procedures.  An FBI Office of Internal Auditing and new directives guarding against FISA abuses-common under James Comey and the Obama administration-will improve accountability and provide tools necessary to pursue justice and keep the American people safe.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/school-choice-should-be-available-all,School Choice Should Be Available to All,2020-08-31,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Arkansas students are back to school, ready to tackle a new year. As part of a comprehensive education, I believe parents should have the right to choose the school that's best suited for their child, regardless of their ZIP code.
Any discrimination based on race, color or national origin that would prevent this choice has no place in our state. Yet for some of our schools -- 11 districts, to be exact -- students don't enjoy equal access to school choice. How is it that children across the state are often denied the opportunity to transfer to a school of their choice for no reason other than race? This is unacceptable, and we must put a stop to it.
All 11 school districts in play (Camden-Fairview, El Dorado, Hope, Junction City, LaFayette, Cutter Morning Star, Fountain Lake, Hot Springs, Jessieville, Lake Hamilton, Lakeside and Mountain Pine) have been involved in some form of desegregation litigation for decades. On Aug. 18, 1989, a case filed in federal court alleged that Garland County maintained a racially segregated public school system in violation of the U.S. Constitution. The districts entered into the Garland County School Desegregation Case Settlement Agreement, and the federal court approved it on April 20, 1992. The agreement remains effective today, nearly 30 years after its approval. Unfortunately, the settlement has some strange twists that have resulted in children who were still unborn at the time of its approval suffering from an unconstitutional mandate.
At the time of the settlement, the districts avoided a lengthy lawsuit by agreeing to comply with State Act 609 of 1989. This act was a public school choice program that allowed students to transfer to other districts, but included the limitation that ""no student may transfer to a nonresident district where the percentage of enrollment for the student's race exceeds that percentage in his resident district."" In other words, if a Black student in a 30 percent Black/70 percent white school district wanted to transfer to a 40 percent Black/60 percent white school district, he would be denied. It's blatant racial discrimination. A federal court later found this archaic limitation unconstitutional and required the state of Arkansas to remove race as the governing factor in its school choice law. The state Legislature complied and changed school choice law; however, the Garland County school districts went back to court and asked to remain under the 1989 act. The court granted their request.
Now, the Garland County schools want out of the requirements of the unconstitutional 1989 act but are being denied. In fact, they must file exemptions every year to disallow school choice. It is ridiculous that in 2020, a lawsuit settlement requiring schools to impose an unconstitutional law is still determining children's education options.
Lest you think this isn't an issue in practice, it is. In 2014, three Black students lost their chance to transfer to Mountain Pine from Lake Hamilton when the State Board of Education denied their appeal. The board based its decision solely on the fact that a few more Black children, based on the percentage of the student population, attended classes at Mountain Pine. More recently, Jessieville was unfairly blamed for having to deny the transfers of white students from Fountain Lake. Parents are understandably outraged. How can anyone explain to a Black child that they cannot transfer to Mountain Pine or a white child that they cannot transfer to Jessieville simply because of their race and that they are a student in Garland County? Denying someone the ability to select a school that best fits their needs for any reason, especially race, is unconstitutional and has no place in Arkansas.
So what's the solution to end this blatant discrimination? All involved parties must agree that it is time to end the mandatory compliance with an unconstitutional act that has long ceased to be the law in Arkansas. Some of the cases in south Arkansas are before the 8th Circuit of Appeals, but as of yet, they have been slow to rule. This shouldn't even be a question. Instead of spending resources on appeals and exemptions, we should do what we should've done all along: give every Arkansas child the opportunity to attend the school of their choice. Anything less is unconstitutional and unacceptable.
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