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://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-reacts-to-devastation-caused-by-storm,Rep. Crawford Reacts to Devastation Caused by Storm,2021-12-11,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement in response to news that several tornadoes hit Northeast Arkansas. ""Last night, vicious storms ravaged through many parts of the First District inflicting significant destruction and taking the lives of two innocent individuals in Monette. There are many reports of extensive damage across a multitude of areas, which will only become more clear as the sun rises today across the region. I want to thank the many first responders who courageously answered the numerous calls that were made last night. I also want to thank the team at KAIT led by Ryan Vaughan, who kept everyone safe and aware of the rapidly changing conditions. KAIT, along with many others, stayed on-air throughout making sure the public was informed and what to expect. My office will continue to assist those who have experienced the worst of these storms in any way we can. I ask that each of us pray for the families who lost loved ones and also prayers of thankfulness for those who always answer the call for help every hour of every day in situations such as this,"" said Rep. Crawford. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-reacts-to-announcement-of-riceland-expansion,Rep. Crawford Reacts to Announcement of Riceland Expansion,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Jonesboro — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement in response to Riceland food's newly announced expansion in both their Jonesboro and Stuttgart plants. The $13.2 million extension is expected to create 80 new jobs. ""I could not be more proud to represent the farmers in Eastern Arkansas who work diligently to help feed the world. I applaud Riceland's ongoing innovation and expansion which is of vital importance to the continued success of the our state's rural economy and enables the next generation of farmers to prosper,"" said Rep. Crawford. Rep. Crawford currently serves as the vice ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee and was a Conferee for both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) ######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ndaa-delivers-win-arkansas-fourth-district,NDAA Delivers a Win for Arkansas' Fourth District,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement. ""Yesterday, I voted for the updated National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),"" said Congressman Westerman. ""As I anticipated, I'm happy to report that the harmful provisions creating Red Flag laws for members of our military and the inclusion of women in the draft were removed. This final version of the NDAA reverses President Biden's dangerous cuts to our defense spending, invests in overdue cybersecurity improvements to protect the Pentagon from foreign actors such as China, Russia, and North Korea, modernizes our military capabilities, including the nuclear triad, and decreases our reliance on China. It holds the Biden Administration accountable for its disastrous handling of our withdrawal from Afghanistan, requires an investigation into the CCP's involvement in the birth of COVID-19, holds China accountable for its human rights violations, and protects servicemembers who decide against taking the COVID-19 vaccine. This bill is a win for democracy and a wonderful example of bipartisanship at work. Our Fourth District neighbors who work in national defense industries, including the thousands of people who work in Camden and its surrounding businesses, will benefit from the 2021 NDAA, and I couldn't be prouder of my vote in favor of it."" Background The NDAA: Fully funds the modernization of our nuclear triad, including the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent, for which the supply chain will go through Camden Highland Industrial Park. Invests in cybersecurity and advanced software for the Pentagon that is long overdue to protect from cyberattacks by malign actors such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Decreases our reliance on Chinese products and technology. The NDAA addresses this by phasing out the use of Chinese printed circuit boards in DoD-acquired equipment, preventing DoD from acquiring PPE from China, and requiring DoD to prioritize domestic production of critical minerals and pharmaceutical ingredients Establishes the policy of the U.S. to maintain the ability to resist Chinese efforts to seize control of Taiwan. Requires DoD and DNI to assess the involvement of the CCP in the origins of COVID-19. Prohibits DoD purchases of goods made by Uyghurs in Chinese forced labor camps. Includes funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which provides support and assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is increasingly important as Russia escalates its aggression toward and harassment of Ukraine, with the stated intent to invade and occupy. Invests in hypersonic missile development, of which we lag behind China and Russia, both of which are testing hypersonic missiles. Prohibits DoD from providing any financial support to the Taliban. Establishes an independent commission to review the entirety of the Afghanistan War, including the disastrous withdrawal. These findings and recommendations will be presented to Congress Retains prohibition on dishonorable discharges for servicemembers who refuse the COVID-19 vaccine. This will retroactively apply to the date of the DoD COVID-19 vaccine order. Requires uniform standards under which servicemembers may be exempted from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for administrative, medical, or religious reasons.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-statement-on-rep-devin-nunes,Rep. Crawford Statement on Rep. Devin Nunes,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement in response to Ranking Member Nunes' retirement from Congress: ""Devin Nunes is a patriot who always put America's national security first, and who consistently delivered for his constituents. He is also a friend and something of a mentor to me. On the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I saw firsthand how Devin conducted vigorous oversight of our Intelligence Community, and held Democrats to task when they politicized that important body. He monitored threats to our nation and developed effective policies to combat them. I wish him luck as he battles the Big Tech Monopolies that carry water for the Left in America."" FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) ######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-voices-support-for-overturn-of-roe-v-wade,Rep. Crawford Voices Support for Overturn of Roe v. Wade,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington — Yesterday, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) gave remarks on the House floor in support of overturning Roe v. Wade. This week, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson, which challenges Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban and could reverse the Supreme Court's past decision on the topic. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rick-crawford-reacts-to-highway-63-addition-to-i-555,Rep. Rick Crawford Reacts to Highway 63 Addition to I-555,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sarah Robertson (sara.robertson2@mail.house.gov), Destiny Robertson (Destiny.Robertson@mail.house.gov) Phone: 202.225.4076, 870.203.0540 Rep. Rick Crawford Reacts to Highway 63 Addition to I-555 11/23/2021 Jonesboro, AR – Today, Rep. Rick Crawford issued the following statement reacting to the Federal Highway Works Administration, along with Arkansas Department of Transportation, designating a portion of Highway 63 in Jonesboro as being a part of Interstate 555. This 4.5 mile segment will connection Highway 49 South/Southwest Drive and Highway 91/Dan Avenue to Interstate 55 and Memphis: ""It's great to see another portion of I-555 completed and designated as interstate. I appreciate ARDOT and our local stakeholders coming together in 2015 to help me draft legislation to provide full Interstate designation for what was then US 63. This vital Interstate corridor plays a critical role in the economic prosperity of Craighead, Greene, and Poinsett Counties in Northeast Arkansas."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-responds-to-house-passage-of-the-build-back-better-bill,"Rep. Crawford Responds to House Passage of the ""Build Back Better” Bill",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson ( Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov ) Rep. Crawford Responds to House Passage of the ""Build Back Better"" Bill 11/19/2021 Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement in response to the passage of the Biden-Harris Build Back Better (BBB) legislation, a 2,000 page bill no one has read and was written in secret. ""The passage of this budget busting boondoggle means higher prices at the pump and supermarket, ugly utility bills this winter, and half a trillion dollars thrown at Bernie Sanders' Green New Deal, even as working families feel America is headed in the wrong direction. Congressional Democrats' fear of Nancy Pelosi clearly outweighs their concern for their own constituents. Biden and Harris promised us quiet competence, but have only delivered failure, socialism, and a weaker America."" The BBB includes: $285 billion in tax cuts for millionaire homeowners $80 billion in new IRS funding to sic IRS investigators on American families Higher taxes on natural gas, hurting poultry producers and raising utility bills Mass amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants Ends work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients $400 billion in small business tax hikes Billions in ""green"" handouts for products made in communist China $12,000 to each wealthy consumer buying electric vehicles costing up to $70,000 Excludes the Hyde Amendment which is a historically bipartisan provision barring tax-payer funded abortions",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-reacts-passage-president-bidens-build-back-better-agenda,Westerman Reacts to the Passage of President Biden's Build Back Better Agenda,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5376, also known as President Biden's ""Build Back Better"" agenda. Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) released the following statement: ""Today, Democrats in the House of Representatives passed President Biden's multi-trillion-dollar reconciliation bill designed to remake America in their image, giving the government control of American lives from the cradle to the grave,""said Congressman Westerman. ""The last-minute Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score estimates this bill will increase the deficit by over $350 billion, but even more damaging are the threats to the foundations of our freedom by this bill's radical leftist policies. Joe Biden may consider this bill the hallmark of his presidency, but I consider it a black mark and a sad day for the American people. This bill will result in government intrusion, more taxes, higher prices, empty shelves, and wasted opportunities. Democrats are choosing to ignore the CBO's score, spending money we do not have to create programs the American people do not want, much less need.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delta-heritage-trail-awarded-20-million-dot-grant-arkansas-leaders,Delta Heritage Trail Awarded $20 Million DOT Grant - Arkansas Leaders Applaud Award,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Congressmen Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and Rick Crawford (AR-01) along with U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson applauded federal investment to complete the Delta Heritage Trail. The members released the following statements: ""I am elated to help deliver this vital grant to the Arkansas Delta. These funds will complete the final stretch of the Delta Heritage Trail, encouraging economic growth by creating tourism opportunities for our delta communities. I am grateful to the Department of Transportation for awarding this significant grant to our state,"" said Westerman. ""Our rich heritage and scenic landscapes make Arkansas the ""Natural State"" and draw lovers of the outdoors from across the nation. The Delta Heritage Trail provides a safe pathway for folks to enjoy the unique wildlife that can only be experienced in southeast Arkansas. This grant is critical to completing this long-awaited project and will further stimulate the local economy,"" Crawford said. ""This investment in southeast Arkansas will connect communities, provide recreational opportunities, spark tourism and build economic momentum in the area. Thanks to the decades of dedication by local and state leaders, we were able to demonstrate the importance of this project that will greatly benefit communities in southeast Arkansas,"" Boozman said. ""Completing the Delta Heritage Trail will both help preserve the important history of the Natural State and bring new jobs and opportunities to the Delta. I'm glad to see Arkansas receive such a meaningful investment in rural America,"" said Cotton. ""This grant will achieve a goal 30-years in the making. The completion of the Delta Heritage trail will provide bikers and hikers yet another beautiful view of the Natural State and will highlight the beauty of The Delta. I appreciate the advocacy of our federal delegation in winning this grant. This is another great project to enhance tourism in southeast Arkansas,"" said Governor Asa Hutchinson ""At a time when outdoor recreational opportunities are more vital than ever, this grant will enable Arkansas State Parks to complete the construction of the entire 87-mile length of Delta Heritage Trail State Park by 2025. This grant will enable State Parks to leverage the previous commitment from the Walton Family Foundation to generate new recreational and tourism opportunities from Lexa to Arkansas City, making a significant impact on the economy, quality of life and well-being of the Arkansas Delta,"" said Secretary of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Stacy Hurst. Background The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $20,482,208 to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) to construct the final 13.4-mile section of the southeast Arkansas trail through its Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant Program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-2021-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Westerman Announces 2021 Congressional App Challenge Winners,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) hosted a virtual reception announcing the winners of the Congressional App Challenge. Westerman issued the following statement: ""Each year, I look forward to the annual Congressional App Challenge as a showcase of the incredible talent and creativity of the Fourth District's students,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""This year's Challenge did not disappoint! Each app was an impressive display of ingenuity and I am confident that these students have bright futures ahead as they work to make their communities a better place. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all who participated."" Background Watch the full reception here. 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 normally honored at an event in Washington, D.C., where they present their apps to attendees. This year, the Fourth District received 20 submissions from 50 students, and the winners were announced yesterday evening during a virtual event held on Zoom, due to COVID-19 restrictions The winners were chosen by a panel of 5 judges. The 2021 Fourth District top five teams are: First Place: Anna Womack and MacKenzie Bisswanger, from Harmony Grove High School, with their app, ""Do Gooders."" Second Place (tie): Landon Weaver, Carson Ford, and Seth Harper, from Dardanelle High School, with their app, ""Helping Hands."" Second Place (tie): Bao Pham and Thanh Tran, from Hot Springs Junior Academy, with her app, ""HSSD Student HQ."" Third Place: Lizbeth Flores-Fuentes, Leslie Mendez, and Dulce Gomez, from Dardanelle High School, with their app, ""Munch Up."" Fourth Place (tie): Gabriel Avila, Madyson Johnson, and Seth Felux, from Dardanelle High School, with their app, ""TherAppy."" Fourth Place (tie): Marcela Sierra, Nadia Alonso, and Anna Carranza, from Dardanelle High School, with their app, ""Keeping Up."" Fifth Place (tie): Madison Mitchell and JadeAnn Wilson, from Lake Hamilton Junior High School, with their app, ""Funky Friend Finder.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-service-academy-session-canceled,Rep. Crawford: Service Academy Session Canceled,2021-11-12,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Destiny Robertson (Destiny.Robertson@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford: Service Academy Session Canceled 11/12/2021 Jonesboro — Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts requiring him to be in Washington D.C., Representative Rick Crawford is CANCELING his annual military service academy session that was scheduled for Monday, November 29th, 2021, at the Jacksonport State Park Visitor's Center, at 111 Avenue in Newport. For further information about being nominated for the Service Academies, you can call Sherrie Mitchell in the Jonesboro office at 870-203-0540. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-infrastructure-bill-vote,Westerman Statement on Infrastructure Bill Vote,2021-11-06,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Last night, the House passed the $1 trillion infrastructure bill. Congressman Bruce Westerman issued the following statement: ""House Republicans have been ready to work across the aisle on much needed infrastructure development, but we were stonewalled at every turn,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""The $1.2 trillion so-called Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, the largest such bill in history— even dwarfing an inflation adjusted FDR New Deal price tag— never had a hearing or a mark-up in a House committee. If it had, Americans might have found out that only about half of the bill has anything to do with infrastructure. The rest is wasteful spending on the Green New Deal and leftist priorities. Speaker Pelosi prohibited all 435 members of the House from making a single change to the bill. That's ridiculous. 435 members of Congress were elected to serve their constituents, not rubber stamp the $1.2 trillion whim of the Senate. Moreover, the passage of this bill is directly tied to the massive socialist spending bill that will be voted on in the upcoming days. These spending bills do not 'build back better' as Democrats have promoted. They will tear down our country and devastate our economy. I proudly voted no.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-introduces-legislation-to-prevent-taxpayer-funded-payments-to-illegal-immigrants,Rep. Crawford Introduces Legislation to Prevent Taxpayer Funded Payments to Illegal Immigrants,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson ( Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov ) Rep. Crawford Introduces Legislation to Prevent Taxpayer Funded Payments to Illegal Immigrants 11/5/2021 Washington — Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) introduced legislation to prevent payments from the federal Judgement Fund from going to immigrants who illegally crossed the southern border. The Ending Payments to Non-American Citizens Act responds to multiple reports that the Biden administration intends to pay individuals who were separated from their family at the southern border upwards of $450,000 each. While President Biden rebuked the idea, Justice Department officials and lawyers representing many of these illegal immigrant litigants have contradicted the President's denouncement. Additionally, the President's spokesperson said that he is ""perfectly comfortable"" making settlement payments to these individuals who broke our laws. ""This outrageous proposal is another example of the Biden Administration putting Americans last and incentivizing criminal behavior. Instead of dealing with the largest border crisis in American history, the President is determined to reward those who broke our nation's laws. American taxpayers do not want their money used to subsidize an apology for Obama-era policies,"" said Rep. Crawford. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-reacts-to-eu-tariff-announcement,Rep. Crawford Reacts to EU Tariff Announcement,2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Reacts to EU Tariff Announcement 11/3/2021 Washington — This week, the United States announced that a deal was reached with the EU to remove 25% retaliatory tariffs on US rice. The EU placed the tariffs on U.S. imports in retaliation to the U.S. implementing Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum to combat China's steel dumping practices. The U.S. agreed to provide a duty-free quota for EU steel and aluminum but will keep the Section 232 tariffs in place for any EU steel or aluminum in excess of the quota in order to maintain some level of protection for US steel and aluminum producers. In response to the announcement, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement. ""Manufacturing and agriculture are critical to our national security and play a vital role in keeping local rural economies alive. For far too long our nation's steel producers and farmers have been victims of unfair trade agreements that fail to protect their businesses from bad actors like China. I'm pleased to see that we were able to finalize a trade deal that will open new markets for our farmers while safeguarding the US steel sector."" #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-delivers-remarks-unveiling-arkansas-quartz,Westerman Delivers Remarks at the Unveiling of Arkansas Quartz,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Bruce Westerman attended the unveiling of the Berns Quartz in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the largest quartz crystal specimen ever to go on public display. It weighs more than 8,000 pounds and stands six and one-half feet tall. The quartz was discovered at the Coleman Mine in Arkansas' Ouachita Mountains in 2016. ""It is great to have a little piece of Arkansas in Washington, D.C. where visitors from all over the world can see the beauty of Arkansas and learn more about all our state has to offer,"" said Congressman Westerman.""I am honored to witness the unveiling of such a magnificent specimen found right in our backyard. Arkansas is truly blessed with incredible resources. I know I speak for every Arkansan when I say I am so grateful to live in the Natural State!"" Background: The Berns Quartz is among the largest examples of quartz specimens on display in any museum in America. At nearly 7 feet tall and more than 8,000 pounds in weight, the gigantic cluster of thousands of sparkling crystals stands in the front gallery, adjacent to the museum's historic north entrance.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-signs-letter-to-department-of-education-opposing-a-federal-vaccine-mandate-on-schools,Rep. Crawford Signs Letter to Department of Education Opposing a Federal Vaccine Mandate on Schools,2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Signs Letter to Department of Education Opposing a Federal Vaccine Mandate on Schools 10/20/2021 Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) along with Reps Hill (AR-02), Westerman (AR-04), and Womack (AR-03). Sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona with the House Arkansas Delegation opposing a Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate on public schools. The members released the following statements: ""Like many parents, I have seen firsthand how COVID-19 has been used as an excuse to infringe upon the freedom of parents to make decisions for their children,"" said Rep. Crawford. ""The needs of each child, family, and school district are different, and our leaders at the state and local level understand these nuances far better than federal bureaucrats. The administration's current plan is dismissive of these concerns and bulldozes the rights of state governments and individuals, creating more vaccine hesitancy as a result."" ""For the duration of the pandemic, we have trusted parents, schools, and states to make the best decisions for the children in their care,"" said Rep. Westerman. ""A Federal vaccine mandate on schools is not only unnecessary, but it undermines the authority of parents and localities and risks further disruption of students' education. Arkansas has been an example to the nation on how to navigate this complex issue by prioritizing the safe reopening of schools while preserving patient privacy, parental rights, and individual liberty. I implore the Department of Education to honor the rights of parents and local school boards to make the decision that best suits their families and communities."" ""Education policies are best handled at the local level – not by Washington bureaucrats,"" said Rep. Womack. ""We don't need the federal government inserting itself where it does not belong. Our school leaders and families are more than capable to work together and make choices that are best for students. Arkansas will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our children."" See the full text of the letter here. #########",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-brownley-introduce-national-dyslexia-awareness-month,"Westerman, Brownley Introduce National Dyslexia Awareness Month Resolution",2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressional Dyslexia Caucus Co- Chairs Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced a resolution to designate October 2021 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month along with 16 original cosponsors. Westerman and Brownley released the following statements: ""As co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus and spouse of a special education teacher, I understand how important dyslexia awareness and advocacy is to the students and families suffering from our nation's most common learning disability,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""By raising awareness of dyslexia's challenges, I hope to help students, teachers, and parents take full advantage of the resources available to them."" ""I started my career in public service to help ensure that people with dyslexia, like my daughter, have the resources and support they need to succeed,"" said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. ""By recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month, we are raising awareness and focusing more attention on how to best identify and address dyslexia, so that individuals with dyslexia have the tools they need to live up to their fullest potential. I am proud to continue working with Congressman Westerman and my colleagues of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus to ensure dyslexia receives the attention it deserves."" Background: While many parents and educators have recognized October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month for years, it is important for Congress to formally designate the month each year. This resolution represents the dedication of members of both parties in Congress to recognize and address the significant educational implications of dyslexia that affect one in five people in America. See the full text of the letter here. Full list of cosponsors: Bruce Westerman (R-AR) Julia Brownley (D-CA) Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) Larry Bucshon (R-IN) Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) Steven M. Palazzo (R-MS) Seth Moulton (D-MA) Eric Swalwell (D-CA) Earl L. ""Buddy"" Carter (R-GA) Derek Kilmer (D-WA) Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) John Yarmuth (D-KY) French Hill (R-AR) David McKinley (R-WV) Suzan DelBene (D-WA)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-leads-letter-department-education-opposing-federal-vaccine,Westerman Leads Letter to Department of Education Opposing a Federal Vaccine Mandate on Schools,2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman led a letter to Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona with the House Arkansas Delegation opposing a Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate on public schools. The members released the following statements: ""For the duration of the pandemic, we have trusted parents, schools, and states to make the best decisions for the children in their care,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""A Federal vaccine mandate on schools is not only unnecessary, but it undermines the authority of parents and localities and risks further disruption of students' education. Arkansas has been an example to the nation on how to navigate this complex issue by prioritizing the safe reopening of schools while preserving patient privacy, parental rights, and individual liberty. I implore the Department of Education to honor the rights of parents and local school boards to make the decision that best suits their families and communities."" ""Education policies are best handled at the local level – not by Washington bureaucrats,""said Congressman Womack.""We don't need the federal government inserting itself where it does not belong. Our school leaders and families are more than capable to work together and make choices that are best for students. Arkansas will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our children."" ""Like many parents, I have seen firsthand how COVID-19 has been used as an excuse to infringe upon the freedom of parents to make decisions for their children,"" said Rep. Crawford.""The needs of each child, family, and school district are different, and our leaders at the state and local level understand these nuances far better than federal bureaucrats. The administration's current plan is dismissive of these concerns and bulldozes the rights of state governments and individuals, creating more vaccine hesitancy as a result."" Background: See the full text of the letter here. The Biden Administration announced a series of COVID-19 vaccine mandates on federal government workers and private businesses on September 9, 2021. President Biden's six-pronged approach includes mandating the vaccine for all federal employees and contractors with a deadline of November 22, 2021, all businesses with over 100 employees, and over 17 million health care workers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-pays-tribute-to-stone-county-honor-guard,Rep. Crawford Pays Tribute to Stone County Honor Guard,2021-10-18,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Pays Tribute to Stone County Honor Guard 10/18/2021 Image Mountain View, AR — This past weekend, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) paid a visit to Stone Bank in Mountain View to honor Stone County's Honor Guard. Every year, Stone Bank holds a ceremony to honor a select group of veterans in the local community. This year, 16 veterans, all from the Stone County Honor Guard, were chosen to be acknowledged at the celebration. All 16 veterans will be given flags flown above the U.S. Capitol. Rep. Crawford has attended the event and delivered flags every year with the exceptions of 2018 and 2020, when the ceremony was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ""Our veterans exemplify the best of our country, and their actions demonstrate the true meaning of sacrifice. It is an honor to be among their ranks and represent them in Washington DC. Ensuring our veterans are well cared for is the least we can do and should never be a political issue,"" said Crawford. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-alerts-ustr-of-chinese-influence-in-latin-america,Rep. Crawford Alerts USTR of Chinese Influence in Latin America,2021-10-13,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Alerts USTR of Chinese Influence in Latin America 10/13/2021 Washington — Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) along with 12 of his colleagues sent a letter to Ambassador Tai asking for immediate attention to the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in both Latin America and Caribbean trade and economic development. China has now surpassed the United States and is the largest non-continental trading partner for 54% of South America. This is a substantial increase from 20 years ago when China had few trade agreements in the region and little economic footprint. This recent increase of engagement in the Western Hemisphere is great cause for concern given the CCP's publicized strategy of becoming a world superpower and dominating the economic stage. This heightened economic activity arrives parallel to China's Belt & Road Initiative, which is the CCP's long-term commitment to investing in large-scale infrastructure projects all over the world, as well as CCP-sponsored companies working to dominate the 5G and public security space. The rising threat of CCP espionage and intellectual property theft has always been cause for concern, and the Biden Administration can no longer take for granted its sphere of influence – even within our borders. ""We believe that it is of the highest priority for the U.S. to keep its relationships strong with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere. Before long, China will be significantly positioned to completely dominate Western Hemisphere economics, as China is already the top trading partner for practically all of Asia, Oceania, Eastern Europe, Africa, and, as stated, most of South America,"" the members wrote. Full text of the letter can be found here. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-implores-president-biden-amend-federal-employee-vaccine,Westerman Implores President Biden to Amend Federal Employee Vaccine Mandate,2021-10-12,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman sent a letter to President Joe Biden calling for an amendment to Executive Order 14043 mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for all federal employees. ""I believe in the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine against infection, hospitalization, and death, and I chose to take the vaccine myself when it became available, but it was my choice,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""It would be an injustice to our nation's dedicated public servants to force a choice between what they believe is best for their own health care and their livelihood. It is obvious walking down any main street that we have a critical labor shortage. Imposing unnecessary vaccine mandates will only exacerbate the issue. These mandates draw a line in the sand, dividing our communities, and do nothing to overcome vaccine hesitancy. Both sides of the aisle want to protect employees, but we must not lose sight of liberty in the process."" Background: See the full text of the letter here. Executive Order 14043 titled ""Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccinations for Federal Employees was signed by President Joe Biden on September 9, 2021. All federal employees have until November 22, 2021 to be vaccinated in compliance with the mandate. In his letter, Congressman Westerman calls on President Biden to afford federal employees the same right to a vaccine exemption that employees of large, private businesses are being given, namely, allowing employees to choose weekly testing as a vaccine alternative. President Biden announced a series of proposals on September 9, 2021 requiring all businesses with over 100 employees to require the vaccine or weekly testing.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-concludes-annual-agriculture-tour-0,Westerman Concludes Annual Agriculture Tour,2021-10-09,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR) concluded his annual tour of Arkansas agriculture, where he visited farmers and other agriculture producers across the Fourth District. Westerman issued the following statement: ""It was an honor to spend time with folks who have dedicated their lives to feeding and clothing America, hear their concerns, and learn how I can help from the federal level,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""Agriculture is a demanding career made all the more difficult by nationwide labor shortages and rising inflation. Far too often, Washington bureaucrats legislate without understanding how regulations and taxation affects rural Americans, the producers of the food and clothing so often taken for granted. Those in agriculture are some of our nation's most essential workers and I understand that our farmers' success is our nation's succuss. I am committed to continuing to be a voice for rural America in Congress, taking back their insights to Washington, D.C., and ensuring they are heard."" 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. Full 2021 Agriculture Tour Itinerary:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-hosts-cybersecurity-event-with-intelligence-agencies,Rep. Crawford Hosts Cybersecurity Event with Intelligence Agencies,2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Hosts Cybersecurity Event with Intelligence Agencies 10/6/2021 Jonesboro, AR — Yesterday, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) hosted a day-long conference with cyber security experts from our nation's intelligence and security agencies and local leaders on preventing cyberattacks, securing critical infrastructure, and protecting intellectual property and customer data from China and other foreign and domestic threats. The ""Scale Up"" event focused on educating local officials and business leaders on identifying threats and how to be proactive in training staff and creating a system that is secure from outside threats. The conference also worked to improve communication between companies and intelligence agencies by easing gaps in communication and going over the cyberattack reporting process. ""Foreign adversaries have recently ramped up cyber-attacks on our critical infrastructure and supply chains which leaves agriculture and manufacturing states like Arkansas a large target. I'm pleased with the enthusiasm this event received and I'm glad to play a role in facilitating this important discussion. I believe everyone took home valuable information that can be applied to their respective companies which will in turn safeguard our national economy and security,"" said Crawford. The full agenda and information on guest speakers. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. ####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-vote-raise-debt-ceiling,Westerman Statement on Vote to Raise the Debt Ceiling,2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Reacting to the partisan passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of S. 1301 to raise the debt limit, Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) released the following statement: ""Today, House Democrats unilaterally voted to suspend the debt limit once again to pay for their own reckless spending,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""Speaker Pelosi brought this bill to the floor so that she can run up the debt to ""pay for"" her liberal priorities in the upcoming reconciliation bill. This vote is intricately linked to the over $4 trillion reconciliation bill that will raise taxes and hurt small businesses across America. Until Congress takes real steps to act responsibly and spend more wisely, I cannot support a limitless debt limit suspension that allows Speaker Pelosi to go on a liberal spending spree.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-condemns-red-flag-language-in-ndaa,Rep. Crawford Condemns Red Flag Language in NDAA,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson ( Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov ) Rep. Crawford Condemns Red Flag Language in NDAA 9/28/2021 Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement in response to the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act's (NDAA) red flag provision. ""The NDAA is a critical piece of legislation that provides our Armed Services the resources they need to keep themselves and our country safe. I voted in favor of the legislation because I don't agree with the House Democrats' strategy of holding our service members hostage and tanking a bill that is vital to our national security in the process. My office has confirmed reports of bi-partisan support for the removal of this damaging provision and has been assured by likely negotiators that the language in Section 529 will be stricken from the final bill before being signed into law. It is shameful that my colleagues would even consider utilizing the NDAA to target veterans' rights to own firearms when its intended purpose is to support our military,"" said Rep. Crawford. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-votes-against-abortion-on-demand-bill,Rep. Crawford Votes Against Abortion on Demand Bill,2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""At a time when inflation is on the rise and families must spend more of their income on basic needs, House Democrats choose to prioritize making abortions available on demand. H.R. 3755 is another attempt by progressives in Congress to undermine the sanctity of life, trample state's rights, and leave the abortion industry largely unregulated. I will always fight for the right to life of all Americans from the moment they are conceived and the rights of my constituents to not be forced to fund this horrific procedure,"" said Rep. Crawford. #########",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-responds-to-passage-of-iron-dome-funding,Rep. Crawford Responds to Passage of Iron Dome Funding,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Responds to Passage of Iron Dome Funding 9/23/2021 Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement in response to the passage of funding for Israel's Iron Dome system. The Iron Dome is a defense system utilized by the Israel military to neutralize any air missiles that are a threat to the country and its civilians. This system was developed by both the United States and Israel and has been financially backed by the two countries in past years. This week, the Iron Dome was threatened as funding for the system was axed from a broader spending bill. However, a standalone bill was quickly passed on Thursday night to provide funding. ""I appreciate Speaker Pelosi's willingness to reverse course after initially caving to a demand by the party's anti-Israel wing to eliminate funding for the Iron Dome, which is lifesaving defensive system that protects Israelis and Palestinians from terror attacks. When Hamas and other terrorist organizations launched more than 4,300 rockets at Israel earlier in the year, this critical defense system intercepted more than 90 percent of the rockets that would have rained down on civilians. Make no mistake, the Iron Dome is saving countless Israeli and Palestinian lives and is a necessary tool that reduces the chances of war,"" said Rep. Crawford. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-responds-to-growing-crisis-at-the-southern-border,Rep. Crawford Responds to Growing Crisis at the Southern Border,2021-09-17,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson ( Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov ) Rep. Crawford Responds to Growing Crisis at the Southern Border 9/17/2021 Washington — Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-1) commented today on news that more than 10,000 Haitians and counting have joined growing numbers from around the world gathering at our wide-open southern border. Media reports indicate they are being dropped off by the busload by criminal cartels, seizing on the Administration's refusal to enforce the immigration laws President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took an oath to uphold. ""The situation at our southern border is not just a crisis. It is a scandal. One created and encouraged by President Biden and Vice President Harris,"" Crawford said. Already this year, people from 90 different nations have been stopped by Border Control trying to enter the United States illegally, including families, groups of men, and unaccompanied children. The Biden Administration, meanwhile, has weakened interior enforcement, and is busing illegal aliens to communities throughout the United States. Most of them are impoverished, and will stay in America permanently. ""They are coming in record numbers,"" Crawford added, ""because the Administration refuses to enforce existing immigration laws, while Congressional Democrats have promised to grant mass amnesty to millions of illegal aliens through their upcoming, $3.5 trillion socialist ‘reconciliation' bill."" Once inside America, illegal aliens are eligible for free emergency health care, free K-12 education, and once given amnesty, cradle-to-grave welfare benefits paid for by American families via higher taxes, and by increasing our federal debt. They also drive down wages for jobs held disproportionately by Americans of color. Crawford concluded: ""This brazen campaign by Democratic politicians to flood the nation with the world's poor, and then grant them mass amnesty, is a cynical attack on our democracy – just like their efforts in court-packing, statehood for Democrat-dominated Washington, DC, ending the filibuster, encouraging voter fraud, and other violations of our once-shared democratic norms. ""The question remains: why are Democrat politicians hell-bent on ‘fundamentally transforming' the greatest nation on earth?"" #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-president-bidens-vaccine-mandate-private-businesses,Westerman Statement on President Biden’s Vaccine Mandate on Private Businesses,2021-09-10,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Reacting to President Biden's executive order mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for private businesses with over 100 employees, Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) released the following statement: ""This week, the Biden Administration and Democrat leaders in D.C. have illustrated misguided priorities, out-of-touch policies, and incompetency,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""They ignore the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and on our southern border. They ignore inflation and double-down on it by supporting $3.5 trillion in radical spending that will increase consumer prices and our national debt doing considerably more damage than good.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rick-crawford-statement-on-terrorist-attacks-in-kabul,Rep. Rick Crawford Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Kabul,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Rick Crawford Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Kabul 8/26/2021 Washington — Responding to the attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan, Rep. Crawford released the following statement: ""Today, reports are that eleven Marines, one Navy medic, many Afghans, and likely more were murdered by evil actors who have no regard for human life. Those who were responsible for this need to face a fierce US response at the time of our choosing, and the American military must be allowed to rescue and evacuate every single American who is in Afghanistan and bring them home,"" said Rep. Crawford. ""President Biden has shown a complete inability to formulate and execute a competent and comprehensive strategy to keep Americans safe from harm and if he cannot course-correct immediately, he should resign and allow someone else who can. America deserves leadership during these dark times. Congress should use its power of the purse immediately to prohibit the Biden Administration from cutting and running while Americans are still essentially hostages in Taliban-run Afghanistan. If the Speaker is unwilling or silent on recalling the House to act in this manner, she too must resign and let someone else who will."" #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-reacts-terrorist-attacks-kabul,Westerman Reacts to Terrorist Attacks in Kabul,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Reacting to reports of coordinated terrorist attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan on American troops and civilians, Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) released the following statement: ""My heart breaks for the American servicemen and Afghan nationals harmed or killed by the cowardly attacks outside of the Kabul airport,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""As the situation continues to develop, join me in praying for the safety of every American and Afghan civilian. I call on President Biden to do whatever necessary to find and extract every single American citizen before fully withdrawing from the country. Anyone with knowledge of American citizens in Afghanistan in need of assistance should contact my office as soon as possible. We will help however possible to ensure their safe passage home.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-responds-to-passage-of-35-trillion-budget,Rep. Crawford Responds to Passage of $3.5 Trillion Budget,2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Responds to Passage of $3.5 Trillion Budget 8/24/2021 Washington — Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) voted against the Biden Administration's $3.5 Trillion Budget. ""There are no moderate Democrats in Congress anymore, as today's vote shows once again. JFK would not recognize this Democratic party,"" said Rep. Crawford. ""Today, Washington Democrats voted for trillions in new spending from Bernie Sanders' socialist wish list. They voted for more inflation, and increased, crushing debt on our children and grandchildren. The pretend, face-saving ‘win' those fantasy moderates will spin to their constituents will fool no one."" #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-statement-on-crisis-unfolding-in-afghanistan,Rep. Crawford Statement on Crisis Unfolding in Afghanistan,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Statement on Crisis Unfolding in Afghanistan 8/16/2021 Washington — Over the weekend, President Biden's plans to withdraw United States troops and diplomatic personnel from Afghanistan went into effect. In the 48 hours since the withdraw began, the Taliban has overtaken the capital city Kabul for the first time in 20 years and assumed control of Afghanistan. The President of Afghanistan has fled along with other top government officials as a result of the violence. Meanwhile, the President of the United States has failed to address the nation as the events continue to unfold. ""The scenes of chaos, mayhem, and terror over the weekend across Afghanistan are angering and unacceptable. Joe Biden's plan and directives that have led to what is still unfolding will damage America's reputation and standing in the world as a country that will always fight to secure the freedoms and liberties of those living under tyranny and terror. President Biden has repeatedly stated that he ""inherited"" this situation from the previous administration. In fact, what Biden inherited was an agreed upon plan with a well-defined set of conditions that would ensure a safe American withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Abraham Accords that are helping foster peace in the Middle East for the first time in generations, and a safer world with the elimination of terror masterminds Solemani and al-Baghdadi. The actions by Joe Biden – from whom we have yet to hear -- will forever rank him as one of the weakest Presidents America has ever known and raise serious questions about his fitness to adequately and fully execute his duties as Commander-in-Chief."" said Rep. Crawford. Rep. Crawford represents Arkansas's First District and is currently serving as the Ranking Member of the Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-us-withdrawal-afghanistan,Westerman Statement on U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressmen Bruce Westerman released the following statement on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. ""President Biden's ‘planned and strategic' withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan has resulted in chaos. The Taliban sits in the Presidential Palace and is reportedly in possession of U.S. arms meant to fortify the Afghan army. Americans on the ground are stranded, hiding and praying for their lives. Families cling to the few planes leaving the country, desperate for safety. America has lost all credibility. ""President Biden acted against the advice of numerous military and policy advisors to rush the withdrawal from Afghanistan, all but handing the country to the Taliban. This is a disgrace to the service members who lost their lives, were wounded, or continue to deal with the trauma of combat in their 20-year mission to protect their country from extremists. President Biden has allowed the fragile nation to fall into the hands of those same extremists, risking the lives of Americans now and in the future. His short-sighted, politically expedient decision making has exposed our nation, our allies, and the Afghan people to serious terrorist threats,"" said Congressman Westerman",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/arkansas-delegation-applauds-usda-disaster-declaration-for-counties-impacted-by-storms,Arkansas Delegation Applauds USDA Disaster Declaration for Counties Impacted by Storms,2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2021 Contact: Boozman - Sara Lasure Cotton - James Arnold Crawford - Sara Robertson Hill - Dan Schneider Womack - Alexia Sikora Westerman - Claire Nance Arkansas Delegation Applauds USDA Disaster Declaration for Counties Impacted by Storms WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman—applauded U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's decision to issue a Secretarial Disaster Designation covering 18 Arkansas counties impacted by flooding, high winds, hail, tornadoes and other storm damage: Arkansas, Benton, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lonoke, Monroe, Phillips, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, White and Yell. ""This disaster designation is a critical step to helping Arkansas agricultural producers recover from devastating losses as a result of natural disasters. We are pleased Secretary Vilsack recognizes the need to provide this assistance to our farmers,"" members said. Last month, the congressional delegation wrote a letter to Secretary Vilsack in support of Governor Asa Hutchinson's request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-calls-end-unconstitutional-eviction-moratorium,Westerman Calls for End of Unconstitutional Eviction Moratorium,2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) joined Congressman Chris Jacobs (R-NY) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) in sending a bicameral letter with 27 members of Congress to President Biden calling on the Administration to change course and end its unconstitutional eviction moratorium. ""We strongly oppose the Biden administration's latest eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This latest action is plainly unconstitutional and will only serve to further distort the market and create a housing affordability crisis,"" the lawmakers said. ""Additionally, any further restrictions on evictions at this point are counterproductive. The economy is open, jobs and vaccines are abundant, and federal rental assistance is a reality."" In a recent Supreme Court case, Alabama Association of Realtors v. Department of Health and Human Services, five members of the Supreme Court effectively acknowledged that CDC exceeded its authority in issuing the moratorium. Justice Kavanaugh stated that ""clear and specific congressional authorization (via new legislation) would be necessary for the CDC to extend the moratorium past July 31."" ""Instead of pursuing an unconstitutional moratorium, the Biden administration should be focused on distributing the nearly $50 billion in rental assistance that was appropriated through three separate stimulus packages."" the lawmakers said. ""As long this moratorium remains in place, property owners will continue to struggle financially. These property owners must still pay mortgages, taxes, and maintenance for the dwelling. If this continues much longer, we will see a wave of bankruptcies, foreclosures, and blighted properties."" Most states require the tenant to take the initiative when applying for rental assistance. A recent Treasury report found very little of the federal rental assistance money has been disbursed so far, and the new moratorium will act as an additional disincentive for tenants to apply for this aid, leaving property owners on the hook. ""We demand the Biden administration end this moratorium and allow the rental assistance funds to do what they were intended to do. This government overreach must end,"" the lawmakers said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-delivers-remarks-national-center-toxicological-research-50th,Westerman Delivers Remarks at the National Center of Toxicological Research 50th Anniversary Celebration,2021-08-11,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) spoke to the 50th anniversary celebration of the National Center of Toxicological Research (NCTR) in Jefferson, Arkansas. Westerman released the following statement. ""NCTR has undoubtably improved the lives of every American by developing needed research to ensure safe medicine, food, and cosmetics,"" said Congressman Bruce Westerman.""Without facilities such as this, the United States would not be home to the world's safest and most abundant food supply. Consumers in the United States and around the world may never truly know the impact of NCTR's work on their daily lives, but every time a patient is successfully treated, or a family safely uses countless familiar products, NCTR's hard work deserves the credit."" Background: NCTR is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) research facility located outside of Washington, D.C. employs 670 people across 17 counties, contributing nearly $70 million to the state, local, and national economies. NCTR was established on August 11, 1971 by President Richard Nixon. This research facility promotes and protects public health and provided critical support to Arkansas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Arkansas Delegation recently introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to commemorate this 50th anniversary and recognize NCTR's achievements. See the full text of the Resolution here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-tapped-by-whip-scalise-for-cyber-security-effort,Rep. Crawford Tapped by Whip Scalise for Cyber Security Effort,2021-08-03,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Tapped by Whip Scalise for Cyber Security Effort 8/3/2021 Washington — This week, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) launched the Cyber Operations Defense Effort (CODE) as a part of Republican Whip Steve Scalise's (LA-01) House Energy Action Team (HEAT). The focus of the group is to address emerging cyber threats in our nation's energy sector. This news comes as the United States has experienced increased ransomware attacks, including one in May that targeted the Colonial Pipeline. Rep. Crawford's staff will serve in the following capacities in support of CODE Group members and offices: Jonah Shumate, CODE Group Director – Rep. Crawford's Chief of Staff, Shumate will lead and direct the efforts to formulate stakeholder and industry engagement, policy development, and communication in tandem with the office of Whip Scalise. Ashley Shelton, CODE Group Operations – Rep. Crawford's Legislative Director, Shelton will work with other CODE group offices and staff to coordinate planning and events. Kathryn King and Joe MacFarlane, CODE Group Policy Analysts – Rep. Crawford's Legislative Assistants, King and MacFarlane will team on white papers, one-pagers, and other materials in support of the CODE Group. Due increasing cyber-attacks and challenges that stakeholders across the entire American economy are facing, Crawford will be hosting the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on October 5th. This event will center around briefing attendees on the overall threat landscape as well as offering break-out sessions that will better inform and equip attendees to protect their businesses. ""The rising number of cyber-attacks on American companies is a threat to our supply chain and consequently, our national security. We cannot allow ourselves to remain vulnerable to state sponsored hackers and other cyber criminals. I look forward to working alongside Whip Scalise and our Republican colleagues to find long-term solutions that put our nation on offense against these malicious attacks,"" said Rep. Crawford. ""After the crippling cyber-attack on the Colonial Pipeline, which led to fuel shortages and lines at gas stations along the East Coast, my Republican colleagues and I knew that the United States must fortify its energy security. I applaud Representative Crawford for taking critical steps to secure our grid and pipeline networks against future ransomware attacks from terrorist and criminal organizations. The Cyber Operations Defense Effort (CODE) will protect the American people from the daily barrage of cyber threats both at home and abroad,"" said House Republican Whip Scalise. Rep. Crawford represents Arkansas's First District and is currently serving as the Ranking Member of the Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/arkansas-delegation-urges-support-for-usda-secretarial-disaster-declaration-for-counties-impacted-by-storms,Arkansas Delegation Urges Support for USDA Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Counties Impacted by Storms,2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 30, 2021 Contact: Boozman, Patrick Creamer – patrick_creamer@ag.senate.gov Cotton, James Arnold – james_arnold@cotton.senate.gov Crawford, Sara Robertson- sara.robertson2@mail.house.gov Hill, Dan Schneider - Dan.Schneider@mail.house.gov Womack, Alexia Sikora - Alexia.Sikora@mail.house.gov Westerman, Claire Nance, claire.nance@mail.house.gov Arkansas Delegation Urges Support for USDA Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Counties Impacted by Storms WASHINGTON—Arkansas's congressional delegation is voicing its support for the request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 18 counties impacted by flooding, high winds, hail, tornadoes and other storm damage. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman—wrote Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to join Governor Asa Hutchinson's support of the Arkansas USDA Farm Service Agency's request for Secretarial Disaster Designation. ""Agriculture is vital to the state, and losses our producers have endured will cause significant economic impacts. Since April 1, 2021, the flooding and other storms have either damaged or prevented the planting of row crops such as rice, soybeans, cotton, corn, and wheat; as well as certain fruit and vegetable crops,"" members wrote in the letter. ""We join Governor Asa Hutchinson in supporting the Arkansas USDA Farm Service Agency's request for Secretarial Disaster Designation, submitted on June 25, 2021; and we ask that you declare the following counties as agriculture-related disaster areas."" The following is the full text of the delegation's letter of support: Dear Mr. Secretary: As you are well aware, farmers and agricultural businesses across this nation have been hurt by recent natural disasters. In Arkansas, our farmers have experienced flooding, high winds, hail, tornadoes, and other storm damage resulting in thousands of acres of lost crops, necessitating replanting, which will likely result in smaller harvests and more expenses—a hit to revenue that Arkansas agriculture cannot afford. Agriculture is vital to the state, and losses our producers have endured will cause significant economic impacts. Since April 1, 2021, the flooding and other storms have either damaged or prevented the planting of row crops such as rice, soybeans, cotton, corn, and wheat; as well as certain fruit and vegetable crops. We join Governor Asa Hutchinson in supporting the Arkansas USDA Farm Service Agency's request for Secretarial Disaster Designation, submitted on June 25, 2021; and we ask that you declare the following counties as agriculture-related disaster areas: Arkansas, Benton, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lonoke, Monroe, Phillips, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, White and Yell.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-arkansas-house-delegation-honor-75th-anniversary-fulbright,"Westerman, Arkansas House Delegation Honor 75th Anniversary of Fulbright Program",2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressmen Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Steve Womack (AR-3), French Hill (AR-2), and Rick Crawford (AR-1), introduced a resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, America's flagship educational exchange program established by former Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright. The milestone will officially be marked this Sunday, August 1st. ""The Fulbright Program has become a model for study-abroad education by providing students across the nation the opportunity to broaden their horizons and participate in foreign diplomacy by interacting with different cultures, ideas, and traditions,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""On the 75th anniversary of the program, I am proud of its significant impact in the lives of so many students, all due to the passion of one Arkansan."" ""The Fulbright Program has been a tool of diplomacy and force for good. It has advanced global cooperation and connected people and ideas, driving change and a brighter future,"" said Congressman Womack.""As we mark 75 years of this prestigious program, we are proud to honor the scholars and legacy of service demonstrated. What was once a concept developed in Arkansas has become a pillar of international education."" ""Since 1946, the Fulbright Program, named for former Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright, has been the flagship international exchange program fostering a mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries through education,"" said Congressman Hill. ""I've seen the Fulbright Program's success firsthand when I traveled to Afghanistan and met an extraordinary woman, Naheed Esar, who graduated from the University of Arkansas as a Fulbright Scholar with a master's degree in cultural anthropology. I thank Congressman Womack for introducing this resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of the program, and I look forward to following the program's success in the future."" ""The Fulbright Program has played an essential role in American diplomacy, ambassadorship, and education over the years,"" said Congressman Crawford.""I am happy to represent a state that founded such a prestigious program. On the 75th anniversary of the program, it is my pleasure to emphasize its legacy represented by its alumni, who contribute to a more peaceful, equitable, prosperous, and just world through higher learning, service, and global relations."" ""For 75 years, Fulbright scholars, alumni, and global partners have exchanged ideas, built mutual understanding, and promoted American culture and values"" said DeDe Long, Chair of the Fulbright Association Board of Directors. ""As an Arkansan, I am especially proud of this program's extraordinary contribution to the global community, and I look forward to its future."" Background: The late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas introduced the program in the House in 1945 to promote peace and understanding in the aftermath of World War II. His goal was ""to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs."" Since President Truman signed the Program into law on August 1, 1946, over 400,000 participants from the United States and 160 countries have studied, taught, and conducted research while immersed in a foreign culture. Alumni include 60 Nobel Laureates, 39 Heads of State, 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, and leaders of industry, government, and education. The Fulbright Program serves as a critical tool in strengthening the United States' diplomatic partnerships and goodwill across the globe.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-calls-on-department-of-state-to-address-unrest-in-haiti,Rep. Crawford Calls on Department of State to Address Unrest in Haiti,2021-07-28,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson ( Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov ) Rep. Crawford Calls on Department of State to Address Unrest in Haiti 7/28/2021 Washington — Representatives Rick Crawford (AR-01), Clay Higgins (LA-03), and Julia Letlow (LA-05) have called on the United States Department of State to come up with long term solutions to the civil unrest in Haiti. Political violence and crime have recently reached new heights in Haiti due to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7th. Safety of port and shipping crew has also been called into question as local thieves have targeted rice shipments due to its value as a stable food in the nation. Because of the cost, insurance companies are now reassessing whether it's economical to continue to cover rice shipments to Haiti and shipping companies are determining if they can continue to risk sending rice to Haitian ports. ""The political unrest in Haiti will only be exacerbated by food insecurity if companies are not able to safety deliver rice to the Haitian people. It is of vital importance to both our farmers and the Haitian people that we continue to provide a steady flow of product,"" said Rep. Crawford. ""Ensuring the safe delivery of rice shipments and the safety of port and shipping crewmembers that make it possible is a top concern. Additional security is needed to provide certainty and financial stability for the rice industry and regional businesses up and down the supply chain. While the political situation in Haiti continues to develop, we must guarantee that American agricultural companies doing work in Haiti or anywhere in the world have the confidence that their crews will be safe and that their products will get to those in need,"" said Rep. Higgins. ""Rice plays a prominent role in the rural economies of Louisiana's Fifth Congressional District and across our region. That's why I joined my colleagues in urging the federal government to ensure the unrest in Haiti doesn't disrupt the rice market for our U.S. farmers and millers. It is essential that this issue be a key priority for the State Department so that we maintain longstanding trade partnerships while also providing nutritious and healthy food to Haitian families,"" said Rep. Letlow. #####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/arkansas-congressional-delegation-recognizes-50th-anniversary-national,Arkansas Congressional Delegation Recognizes 50th Anniversary of National Center for Toxicological Research,2021-07-15,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Arkansas's U.S. Representatives Bruce Westerman, Rick Crawford, French Hill, and Steve Womack and U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton commemorated the 50th anniversary of the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) with the introduction of House and Senate resolutions recognizing this milestone. On August 11, 1971, President Richard Nixon established the NCTR in Jefferson, Arkansas. This Food and Drug Administration (FDA) research facility promotes and protects public health and provided critical support to Arkansas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NCTR employs 680 individuals who reside in 17 counties in Arkansas and contributes nearly $70 million to the state, local, and national economies. ""The NTCR has been an invaluable addition to Arkansas' Fourth District and the nation,"" said Westerman. ""The Fourth District is proud to host the only FDA site location outside the Washington, D.C. area, providing hundreds of jobs and millions in revenue to the state and the local economy. I am grateful for the vital work of NCTR's researchers and scientists to protect American consumers, and I am pleased to support its continued research through this resolution."" ""For half a century, the National Center for Toxicological Research has provided vital research and services to ensure that Americans have safe food, cosmetics, and medicine. Without such facilities, the United States would not be home to the world's safest and most abundant food supply. I'm proud that Arkansas continues to play a vital role in protecting the health and safety of Americans,"" Crawford said. ""The NCTR has undoubtedly improved the lives of Arkansans and all Americans. I appreciate the contribution hundreds of Arkansans have made, through the NCTR, to the well-being of the people and economy of Arkansas. I am proud to recognize this momentous fifty-year anniversary and I am dedicated to supporting the NCTR's efforts towards a healthier, safer America,"" Hill said. Womack said, ""The NCTR is a premier facility that is advancing research and health collaboration across the nation. We are fortunate to have this federal laboratory and hardworking scientists support medical ingenuity and projects right here in Arkansas. With half a century of service, I am proud to honor this milestone."" ""We can be incredibly proud to have the NCTR in our state and know that fellow Arkansans are playing a significant role to improve the health and safety of all Americans. I've been proud to support the work of the scientists and researchers at this FDA facility and am pleased to recognize this special occasion,"" Boozman said. ""The National Center for Toxicological Research conducts critical research that was especially vital during the pandemic. I'm proud of the several hundred Arkansans who work at the NCTR, and I look forward to another successful 50 years,"" said Cotton.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-applauds-omb-s-decision-on-msa-designation,Rep. Crawford Applauds OMB’s Decision on MSA designation,2021-07-14,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Applauds OMB's Decision on MSA designation 7/14/2021 Washington — Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced modest revisions to their Standards for Delineating Core Based Statistical Areas. However, OMB announced the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) population threshold would remain unchanged. This decision comes after Representative Crawford and several other Members of Congress sent a letter requesting that OMB doesn't follow through with their proposal of increasing the minimum population of MSA from 50,000 people to 100,000 people. ""MSA designation has been a vital tool in keeping rural communities afloat during economic hardships. Changes like the one initially suggested would've furthered the divide between urban and rural America. I'm pleased that OMB saw the devastating impact their proposed changes to MSA requirements would have and decided to continue with the current stipulations,"" said Rep. Crawford. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-requests-information-on-chinese-ppe-dumping,Rep. Crawford Requests Information on Chinese PPE Dumping,2021-07-14,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Requests Information on Chinese PPE Dumping 7/14/2021 Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01), joined by 18 of his House colleagues, sent letters to the U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra requesting information on China's dumping of personal protective equipment (PPE) into the United States and their plans to curb these imports. The COVID-19 pandemic put into sharp focus the United States' alarming dependence on China for critical medical supplies, such as PPE. China purposely withheld much-needed PPE from the U.S., giving U.S. companies the opportunity to ramp up production in the wake of the pandemic. Now evidence strongly indicates that China has accelerated its PPE dumping, selling products well below the cost of U.S.-made PPE. Inaction is decimating the U.S. PPE industry, as companies lay off a significant portion of their workforce and more than 260 million American-made masks to sit in warehouses. Most recently, the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking companies to produce a total of 127 million disposable surgical masks over the next calendar year in the U.S. These masks will be cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure safety requirements are met. ""China continues its attempts to capitalize on supply chain vulnerabilities by dumping its cheap products into our market. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the danger of relying on other nations for critical supplies. The Biden Administration must take swift action to bolster our own PPE industry and hold China accountable for their constant aggressive behavior toward our economy."" said Rep. Crawford. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-reversal-ombs-msa-population-threshold-rule-change,Westerman Statement on Reversal of OMB’s MSA Population Threshold Rule Change,2021-07-14,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR) released the following statement on the reversal of the proposed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule that would have raised the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) population threshold from 50,000 to 100,000 people: ""I commend OMB's decision to honor my request to reverse course on the harmful rule change that would have stymied the continued development of 144 communities in 45 states and Puerto Rico,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""I am sincerely grateful for the ability to lead a bipartisan letter signed by Rep. Rick Crawford and 50 of my colleagues to OMB Acting Director Rob Fairweather voicing the concerns of members and see a favorable result. ""Under the proposed rule change, the Arkansas cities of Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, and Jonesboro would have lost their classification as a Metropolitan Statistical Area, severely limiting their ability to access grants and federal funding to grow their economies. I will always fight to ensure Arkansas' smaller cities receive the same opportunities as larger cities to develop economically."" Background On January 19, 2021, the Office of Management and Budget published a proposal in the Federal Register to change the population threshold for a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The current population threshold, which has been unchanged since 1950, is 50,000 or more persons. The proposed new threshold would have risen to 100,000 or more persons. This change would have caused 144 of the 392 MSAs to lose their designation. Declassified cities would have either lost access to some federal programs or see greatly diminished federal funding from those using the MSA designation as a qualifying factor. Some programs, like the Community Development Block Grant, Federal Transit Administration grants, and Medicare's prospective payment system for acute care hospital inpatients could have become inaccessible to these communities. On July 13, 2021, the White House released a press release announcing the reversal of the proposed rule change.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-appointed-healthy-future-task-force-0,Westerman Appointed to Healthy Future Task Force,2021-06-30,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy announced the appointment of Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) to the Healthy Future Task Force. The Task Force will build on Republican health policy successes and craft a patient-focused agenda for the future. ""I am grateful to Leader McCarthy for forming the Healthy Future Task Force to spearhead the development of solutions to improve affordability, choice, and quality of health care through competition and innovation,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""A top-down, one-size-fits-all approach to health care, such as Medicare for All, would result in restricted access and lower-quality care for patients while severely burdening tax-payers. Instead, I look forward to helping the Task Force develop and implement market-based solutions to improve health care at lower costs for every American."" Background: Leader McCarthy appointed Reps. Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Devin Nunes (CA-22) to lead the Task Force along with the following House Republicans: Tom Cole (OK-04) Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) Morgan Griffith (VA-09) Mike Kelly (PA-16) Richard Hudson (NC-08) Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) Rick Allen (GA-12) Jim Banks (IN-03) Kevin Hern (OK-01) John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) Beth Van Duyne (TX-24) Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-02) Victoria Spartz (IN-05) Republicans have a long record of patient-oriented accomplishments including: A Historic Ban on Surprise Medical Bills 21st Century Cures The Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit for Seniors Medicare Advantage Expanding Telehealth Record Investments in the NIH Fighting the Opioid Epidemic The Children's Health Insurance Program Protections for Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions The Healthy Future Task Force will listen, learn, and lead in developing this next chapter of the health care agenda. The Task Force will craft legislative proposals setting the framework for Republican policy moving forward. This agenda will focus on:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/arkansas-delegation-calls-epa-maintain-navigable-waters-protection-rule,Arkansas Delegation Calls on EPA to Maintain Navigable Waters Protection Rule,2021-06-24,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Rick Crawford (R-AR), French Hill (R-AR), and Steve Womack (R-AR), along with Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and John Boozman (R-AR) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Pinkham condemning the decision by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to repeal and replace the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR). ""Under the Trump Administration's NWPR, states, localities, tribes, and private landowners maintained sovereignty over their waterways. Businesses, farmers, and foresters were empowered to conduct business without harmful regulation preventing the proper growth of Arkansas' economy,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""States have a vested interest in the environmental protection of their waterways and are fully capable of maintaining environmental standards without unnecessary and overbearing Federal oversight."" In part, the members wrote,""The NWPR preserves our waterways while giving producers and landowners the clarity they need to farm and build without burdensome regulations and government overreach."" ""Arkansans are good stewards of the land and should make their own decisions about their own property—as they have for generations—without the EPA looking over their shoulders,""the members continued. Background: On June 9, 2021, EPA and the Corps announced their intent to initiate a regulatory rulemaking to roll back the Trump administration's Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR). On April 21, 2020, EPA and USACE finalized the NWPR, which defined the federal government's Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting jurisdiction by streamlining what waters are considered ""waters of the United States."" The Navigable Waters Protection Rule replaced the 2015 Obama Administration's Water of the United States (WOTUS) Rule and sought to more narrowly define the term ""water of the United States"" after two Supreme Court rulings interpreted the scope of the Clean Water Act more narrowly than previous EPA and Corps regulation and guidance under the WOTUS rule. In 2016, Congress voted to nullify the Obama Administration's Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, later vetoed by President Obama.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-joins-140-members-calling-atf-to-withdraw-stabilizing-brace-guidance,Rep. Crawford Joins 140 Members Calling ATF to Withdraw Stabilizing Brace Guidance,2021-06-15,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Joins 140 Members Calling ATF to Withdraw Stabilizing Brace Guidance 6/15/2021 Washington — Today, Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01) along with 140 Members of the House of Representatives urging the Department of Justice to withdraw proposed guidance on Stabilizing Braces. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Acting Director Marvin Richardson, the Members warn that this guidance will make millions of law-abiding citizens, including disabled veterans, criminals overnight. ""This proposed guidance is alarming and jeopardizes the rights of law-abiding gun owners and disabled combat veterans across the country,"" the Members write.""Should this guidance go into effect, a disabled combat veteran who has chosen the best stabilizing brace for their disability is now a felon unless they turn in or destroy the firearm, destroy the brace, or pay a $200 tax. Furthermore, it could make millions of law-abiding citizens felons overnight."" ""We urge you to take action to correct this injustice immediately by withdrawing this proposed guidance."" Read the entire letter here. In their letter, Members outline that the ATF has repeatedly stated, ""the brace concept was inspired by the needs of disabled combat veterans who still enjoy recreational shooting but could not reliably control heavy pistols without assistance."" As the ATF acknowledges there are legitimate uses for certain stabilizing braces, the letter points out that including a $200 tax in its rule is not an attempt to curb gun violence as suggested, but a direct tax on disabled combat veterans. Furthermore, the Members highlight uncertainties in the ATF's proposed guidance and the troubling omission of a process for disabled veterans to report a disability exempting them from this rule. In December, Rep. Crawford signed a similar letter to the ATF with 90 of his colleagues. Following their letter, the ATF withdrew its guidance on stabilizing braces on Dec. 23, 2020. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-sends-letter-to-pelosi-demanding-fauci-investigation,Crawford Sends Letter to Pelosi Demanding Fauci Investigation,2021-06-14,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: Monday, June 14, 2021 Contact: Sara Robertson (sara.robertson2@mail.house.gov) Crawford Sends Letter to Pelosi Demanding Fauci Investigation Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) issued the following statement regarding a letter he and five of his GOP colleagues sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to direct the committees of jurisdiction to investigate the contradictions between Dr. Fauci's emails and his public statements. ""Dr. Fauci was trusted to communicate the most accurate and up to date information on the COVID-19 virus as Americans did their best to protect themselves and loved ones. The recent release of Dr. Fauci's emails filled with contradictions raises questions about the virus and his true motives. We must hold all government officials accountable and the Chief Medical Advisor is no exception - an investigation into Dr. Fauci is absolutely warranted,"" said Rep. Rick Crawford. ""As one of the highest paid government employees, the American people deserve to know if Dr. Fauci profited, knowingly or unknowingly, from his confusing public statements. Too often, public officials betray the public's trust, and Dr. Fauci's emails have already indicated he preferred being in the spotlight rather than carrying out his duties honestly and faithfully. I encourage Speaker Pelosi to take appropriate measures to investigate Dr. Fauci and hold him accountable for his actions,"" said Rep. Jerry Carl. ""It is clear to me and millions of Americans that Dr. Fauci has no business advising the President or the American people on how to live their lives. He has behaved like an unelected politician time and time again, saying one thing in public and another in private. He is a total hypocrite and needs to be investigated for his role in deceiving the American people,"" said Rep. Ronny Jackson. The letter was cosigned by Reps. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Jody Hice (GA-10). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-invest-america-act,Westerman Statement on the INVEST in America Act,2021-06-10,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington - Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a mark-up of the INVEST in America Act. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement: ""When my colleagues and I began marking up the House Democrats' transportation bill, I believed that we were all there to help the American people by advancing smart infrastructure investments. After 17 hours of amendment debate, the bill produced by the committee was entirely disappointing. Virtually every amendment vote was completely partisan, and it was clear that the Democrats' ""My Way or the Highway"" transportation bill was more about pleasing the left than investing in America. Every Democrat voted against my amendment that would have ensured the elderly and disabled had easier access to federal lands. Every Democrat voted against my amendment to streamline the federal bureaucracy and strengthen environmental quality reviews. Every Democrat voted against banning the use of critical minerals mined using child labor. And every Democrat voted in favor of funding cities that choose to defund their police forces. That is just a small example of how common-sense improvements to the bill were rejected in favor of partisanship. It's not how good legislation is made, and we can do better. Transportation bills are historically bipartisan affairs where we work together because we know that there are no blue or red roads; there are simply Americans trying to drive to work and school. The good news is that it's not too late to fix what's wrong with this bill or what's wrong with Congress. If Speaker Pelosi and President Biden agree to embrace true bipartisanship, I know we can find common ground on infrastructure spending. We can repair our roads, build new bridges, expand our railroads, and provide the framework for Americans to work hard and grow our economy. To achieve that goal, we need to stop having useless mark-ups where the outcome is predetermined by partisan leaders and have real discussions about how to advance America. I'm ready to go to work. I hope my Democratic colleagues are too.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-introduces-bipartisan-bill-fast-track-treatments-life,Westerman Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fast Track Treatments for Life-Threatening Conditions,2021-06-08,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR) joined Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Eric Swalwell (D-CA) to introduce the Promising Pathway Act, a bill that would increase access to treatments for those with life-threatening illnesses. ""For far too long, red tape has prevented patients with terminal conditions from finding necessary therapies,"" said Rep. Westerman.""The Promising Pathway Act will allow innovative therapies with positive clinical trial data to treat patients outside the FDA's rigid trial requirements and spark competition between smaller and larger pharmaceutical companies. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in a bipartisan fashion to help patients across the country get the help they desperately need."" ""Giving patients access to potentially life-saving drugs is a common-sense way to help individuals receive the care they need,"" said Rep. Gallagher. ""This bill prioritizes patient's lives, promotes innovation, and cuts through the bureaucratic red tape that can slow down the approval process. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation in the House."" ""Millions of Americans are touched by the fight against neurodegenerative diseases and too many face unnecessary barriers in the path to treatment,"" said Rep. Quigley. ""This legislation will enable patients who have been diagnosed with diseases like ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's to access innovative drugs and hopefully improve their lives as they confront life-threatening conditions."" ""The Promising Pathway Act would not only allow for rare and potentially fatal disease patients to get treatment faster, but it would also bolster our ability to respond to diseases that pose a potential epidemic or pandemic threat,"" said Rep. Swalwell. ""If we've learned anything from the past year, it is that agility is necessary for combatting public health crises. I am proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing this bipartisan bill that brings us one step closer to finding cures for those with conditions like ALS and cancer, while also strengthening our response to future pandemics."" Background: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes three phases for the clinical trial process for prescription drugs. Early clinical trials (Phases I and II) establish and confirm safety while providing a considerable amount of data, often enough to statistically predict successful confirmatory trials. Confirmatory trials (Phase III) further test effectiveness and are the last step to a drug entering the market for patients' use under a New Drug Application or Biologics License Application approval. Phase III trials are extremely time-consuming and expensive, in some cases costing billions of dollars. Small pharmaceutical companies attempting to bring innovative drugs to market and compete with large drug companies can go bankrupt during Phase III trial, if the FDA determines a drug doesn't meet its standards of safety or effectiveness. The Promising Pathway Act increases competition by allowing smaller companies to bring their life-saving treatments to market faster, while giving them the opportunity to raise money to complete further clinical trials. Specifically, The Promising Pathway Act would allow pharmaceutical companies to petition FDA for a short-term provisional approval if the drug has cleared early stage clinical trials, has already proven safety, and shows significant evidence of effectiveness. The company could then sell their drug at a market acceptable rate, give patients access to innovative treatments, and compete with larger pharmaceutical companies to lower consumer cost.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/cotton-crawford-urge-passage-of-aim-act-following-russian-cyberattack,"Cotton, Crawford Urge Passage of AIM Act Following Russian Cyberattack",2021-06-03,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (sara.robertson2@mailhouse.gov) June 3, 2021 Cotton, Crawford Urge Passage of AIM Act Following Russian Cyberattack Washington, D.C – Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Representative Rick Crawford (R-Arkansas) released the following statement urging passage of their Agriculture Intelligence Measures (AIM) Act after JBS, the world's largest meat processing company, suffered a cyberattack from a Russian gang: ""Without a safe and secure agriculture supply chain, the United States can't reliably feed its people. This attack proves that our enemies will target that supply chain given the chance. The Department of Agriculture needs to better leverage the assets of the Intelligence Community to protect U.S. agriculture against similar attacks. Our AIM Act will help protect American food and technology from sabotage and espionage, and we urge our colleagues to pass it immediately.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-joins-call-with-dot-secretary-arkansas-and-tennessee-congressional-delegations-to-discuss-critical-i-40-bridge-repairs,"Crawford Joins Call with DOT Secretary, Arkansas and Tennessee Congressional Delegations to Discuss Critical I-40 Bridge Repairs",2021-05-14,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2021 Contact: Sara.robertson2@mail.house.gov Crawford Joins Call with DOT Secretary, Arkansas and Tennessee Congressional Delegations to Discuss Critical I-40 Bridge Repairs Arkansas Members Engaged on Response Effort WASHINGTON – Members of the Arkansas and Tennessee Congressional Delegations urged U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to support the efforts to safely and efficiently repair the Interstate 40 bridge connecting their two states during a phone call today. ""I appreciate Secretary Buttigieg's willingness to discuss the I-40 bridge closure in more detail and his commitment to work with the Arkansas and Tennessee Departments of Transportation. This critical artery for the region must be safely reopened as soon as possible,"" Sen. Boozman (R-AR) said. ""Working together, we can mitigate continued disruption to commerce and transportation needs along this corridor."" ""Arkansas workers and business rely on the I-40 bridge every day to get to work and ship products around the country. My office will continue to work with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and Secretary Buttigieg to keep Arkansans safe as work continues to fix this critical route across the Mississippi,"" Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) said. ""I'm appreciative of Secretary Buttigieg as well as my Arkansas and Tennessee colleagues' time and energy on repairing one of the largest economic hubs in America. It is vital to our national security that commercial traffic regain access to one of the most efficient and widely used transportation routes from the east coast to west coast. I'm optimistic that with all hands on deck the costs to American families will be minimal and businesses will no longer need to distress over the flow of commerce along and across the Mississippi River,"" said Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01). Secretary Buttigieg assured members the DOT is working with both states' transportation departments to ensure a pathway to efficiently repairing and reopening the bridge and that his staff would continue to communicate with and update the lawmakers as the process advances.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-works-to-address-the-i-40-hernando-de-soto-bridge-closure,Rep. Crawford Works to Address the I-40 Hernando de Soto Bridge Closure,2021-05-13,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (sara.robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Works to Address the I-40 Hernando de Soto Bridge Closure 5/13/2021 Washington— During a routine inspection on Tuesday, a potentially catastrophic issue was identified on the I-40 bridge. This discovery has caused the bridge to close and barge traffic on the Mississippi River below to come to a halt for the foreseeable future. The Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways for commerce in America and is utilized for transporting materials north and south. There are currently over 200 barges waiting in queue. The Hernando de Soto bridge is one of two bridges that connects Arkansas and Tennessee, making it a major route for the flow of goods from coast to coast. About 45,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, with approximately 30 percent being commercial vehicles. This incident also closely follows the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline which is responsible for delivering fuel to many of the southeastern states. Both Arkansas and Tennessee are one of the 17 states that have declared a state of emergency due to the pipeline closure. ""I'm thankful that the cracked beam on the I-40 bridge was discovered before anyone was put in harm's way. I've spent the past 24 hours talking with representatives at Arkansas Department of Transportation, Senators Boozman and Cotton, and Representatives Cohen (TN-09) and Kustoff (TN-08) to determine what our next steps need to be. Stopping the flow of commerce across all directions of our country comes at perhaps the worst possible time as our supply chain continues to experience significant pressure from every corner of our economy. It is vital to our national security that we get both trucking and barge traffic to resume again for the well-being of every American and those reliant on the successful transport of imports and exports,"" said Crawford. #########",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-urges-national-security-advisor-sullivan-to-hold-formal-briefing-on-colonial-pipeline-cyberattack,Rep. Crawford Urges National Security Advisor Sullivan to Hold Formal Briefing on Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack,2021-05-12,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (sara.robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Urges National Security Advisor Sullivan to Hold Formal Briefing on Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack 5/12/2021 Washington—Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01), joined by a bipartisan group of Chairmen and Ranking Members on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Homeland Security Committee sent a letter to the National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, to express concern and request a formal briefing regarding the recent ransomware attack against Colonial Pipeline Company that prompted the continued shut down of 5,500 miles of pipelines. The FBI confirmed the organized hacker group, DarkSide, is behind the attack. The letter requests the task force, formed by the White House, provide a formal joint briefing to members of both Committees on the federal response to the cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline as soon as possible. In addition to a more detailed understanding of the incident, Representative Crawford and his colleagues want to make sure there is interagency clarity in roles and responsibilities between the National Security Council, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Sector Risk Management Agencies, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. ""The transportation and infrastructure industry is absolutely critical to the success of our vibrant and essential energy industry. Together, the two sectors keep America running and competitive. Unfortunately, this attack has proven how vulnerable they are. We are already experiencing the ramifications of the cyberattack as it prompts fluctuations in fuel prices and fuel shortages in the Southeastern United States. Millions of Americans will have to deal with the outcome. This attack proves the importance of providing the best security possible across all sectors of the United States, and the potentially devastating effects of failing to defend our economic and national security. It is imperative that the response from the federal government is swift and effective. Discussions on how to address these issues could not come at a better time as we continue to work to find common ground on bipartisan infrastructure solutions,"" said Rep. Crawford. Rep. Crawford is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. He also serves as the Ranking Member of the Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and counterproliferation Subcommittee. He has expressed significant concern regarding the hacking of the Colonial Pipeline Company and how it affects our national security. #########",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-winner-2021-congressional-art-competition,Westerman Announces Winner of 2021 Congressional Art Competition,2021-05-10,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"""I look forward the Congressional Art Competition every year,"" said Rep. Westerman. ""It is an incredible opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity of our high school students, and I am blown away by these students' hard work. Members, staff, and visitors will have the pleasure of viewing Danielle's work every day as they walk the halls of Congress. Thank you to everyone who participated."" Background Each spring, a nationwide high school visual art competition is sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of our nation's youth, including those in the Fourth Congressional District. Winners are chosen by a panel of five judges from the following categories: design/composition, skill/technique, and overall execution. Art competition submissions may be viewed on Rep. Westerman's Flickr page. The winners are as follows:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-introduces-legislation-prioritizing-transportation-workers-for-ppe-and-vaccines,Rep. Crawford Introduces Legislation Prioritizing Transportation Workers for PPE and Vaccines,2021-05-07,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Introduces Legislation Prioritizing Transportation Workers for PPE and Vaccines 5/7/2021 Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) introduced the Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act alongside two of his colleagues, Representative David Rouzer (NC-07) and Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09). This bipartisan legislation would require the Department of Transportation to apply the categorization of ""essential critical infrastructure workers"" as identified by the Department of Homeland Security to all transportation and infrastructure workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This ensures infrastructure workers have priority access to COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) so they can continue their hard work that keeps America running. It also creates a precedent, mandating the DOT reconsider this classification in the event of any future public health crisis. ""Our infrastructure workers have been essential at keeping our economy moving while also distributing vital health supplies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic continues to be a threat, Congress should protect those most at risk including essential workers. We need to ensure that these workers can resume their jobs to keep supply chains intact during such a critical time, and that they never face the obstacles of this year again,"" said Rep. Crawford (AR-01). ""We must ensure that protections are in place for our frontline transit workers, who have continued delivering essential goods and providing essential services, while putting their own lives at risk. I am pleased to re-introduce the Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act with Congressman Crawford. It will both help ensure these critical infrastructure workers have access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and testing as we work to end this pandemic and ensure these protections are in place in any pandemic that may occur in the future,"" said Rep. Cohen (TN-09).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-introduces-legislation-protecting-us-rail-from-companies-owned-by-the-chinese-communist-party,Rep. Crawford Introduces Legislation Protecting U.S. Rail from Companies Owned by the Chinese Communist Party,2021-05-04,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Introduces Legislation Protecting U.S. Rail from Companies Owned by the Chinese Communist Party 5/4/2021 Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) introduced legislation along with 5 of his colleagues. The Rolling Stock Protection Act would reverse the Federal Transit Administration's interpretation of Section 7613 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Section 7613 was originally designed to prevent FTA funds from procuring rolling stock from Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOE). Unfortunately, the FTA interpreted the provision to permit contracts enacted before the end of this year to bypass the law, creating a loophole that directly contradicts the purpose of the law and caters to the SOEs. The Rolling Stock Protection Act would remove this life-time exemption and restore the law back to its original intent. ""No American dollars should go toward funding the Chinese Communist Party's malicious behavior and oppressive dictatorship. China has continued to demonstrate that they will go to extreme lengths to lie, cheat, and steal from American ingenuity to further advance their Made in China 2025 campaign. Ensuring that our rail companies do not fall victim to Chinese government attacks is a matter of national security,"" said Rep. Crawford (AR-01). ""Rolling stock plays a fundamental role in American infrastructure. Dangerous adversaries such as China have a vested interest in controlling supply of rolling stock, giving them leverage over America's ability to construct and maintain our crucial infrastructure. With this threat in mind, no taxpayer dollars should be going to procuring rolling stock from Chinese state-owned enterprises. I thank Congressman Crawford and my colleagues for engaging on this important issue,"" said Rep. Gimenez (FL-26). #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-introduces-juvenile-sentencing-reforms,Westerman Introduces Juvenile Sentencing Reforms,2021-04-28,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Tony Cárdenas (D- CA), Karen Bass (D-CA), and David Trone (D-MD) introduced ""Sara's Law and the Preventing Unfair Sentencing Act."" This bill gives federal judges more discretion when sentencing juveniles and will allow for children, who have been caught up in the justice system, to have a second chance to succeed. ""‘Sara's Law and the Preventing Unfair Sentencing Act' is named after Sara Kruzan and recognizes that children trapped in sex trafficking or sexual abuse may resort to violence to escape their abuse,"" said Rep. Westerman. ""It is unacceptable that current law requires that children forced to use violence to protect themselves against their abuser receive a harsh sentence, furthering their trauma. Discretion is needed when dealing with children to address the cause of the crime and the likelihood of rehabilitation. This bill works in a bipartisan basis to find appropriate sentencing for abused boys and girls, because justice is an American value."" ""It's important for judges to consider and take a child's experience and other factors into consideration when sentencing juveniles,"" said Rep. Cárdenas. ""Sara's Law and the Preventing Unfair Sentencing Act is a step towards a balanced system centered on healing and rehabilitation, and one that is key to ensuring a child's life is not thrown away in the juvenile justice system."" ""Studies have proven that punishing children the way we punish adults does not advance public safety,"" said Rep. Karen Bass, co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. ""After decades of increasingly punitive and failed juvenile justice policies, it's time to take a step in a direction that recognizes that children are different than adults, that they have enormous potential for rehabilitation, change, and growth, and that we can do better to meet their developmental needs. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this vital piece of legislation."" ""We are one of few countries around the world that sentences children to die in prison. We ought to be ashamed of that,"" said Rep. Trone. ""A sentence of life in prison without out any possibility of release is excessively harsh for children, who do not have the same capacity as adults. In many cases, these children are themselves victims of abuse or neglect. We need a justice system centered around rehabilitation, and banning this sentence for young people will provide them with a chance to grow, learn from their mistakes, and lead productive lives once they've served their time."" Background H.R. 2858 provides that juveniles found guilty of crimes against persons who sexually trafficked, abused, or assaulted them shall not be required to serve the mandatory minimum sentence otherwise associated with the crime. H. R. 2858 also allows judges to consider ""the diminished culpability of juveniles compared to that of adults"" when sentencing those who committed crimes as juveniles and allows federal judges to depart from mandatory minimum sentences by up to 35 percent if deemed appropriate based on the juvenile's age and prospects for rehabilitation. The presiding judge may also suspend any portion of an otherwise applicable sentence if the circumstances so warrant. Additionally, it prohibits federal judges from sentencing juveniles to life in prison without parole and brings federal law into compliance with the 2012 Supreme Court decision Miller v. Alabama. Juveniles sentenced to life in prison would be guaranteed a parole hearing after serving 20 years.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-president-bidens-joint-address-congress,Westerman Statement on President Biden's Joint Address to Congress,2021-04-28,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Tonight, in his opening remarks, President Biden said, ""There is no quit in America"". I couldn't agree more, but I cannot condone the way in which the President has implemented his ideals. Candidate Joe Biden promised to unify the country. Instead, President Biden's first 100 days have been a master class in ramming through divisive, liberal, partisan priorities often without any legislative engagement whatsoever. President Biden has stripped jobs from thousands of energy workers, created a crisis at our southern border, plunged the nation farther into debt through radical, unnecessary spending, and threatened our energy independence by making the U.S. reliant on hostile foreign nations. Far from the promise of unity, he cut out Republicans from every discussion on COVID relief, forcing passage of trillions in spending completely on party lines. President Biden has carried out the left's every whim, earning the sound approval of the far-left progressive movement. President Biden signed away the Keystone Pipeline, ended the construction of the border wall, and proposes to raise taxes exponentially on hardworking Americans. President Biden reinstated the failed catch and release policy and ended the proven Remain in Mexico policy, triggering the highest rate of illegal immigration in 20 years. President Biden is attempting to expand the control of the federal government to every part of American life in Democrats never-ending bid for power. Tonight's announcement of the American Families Plan is just the next chapter of raising taxes to the detriment of American prosperity and bending to the will of Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, and ""the squad.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-introduces-house-resolution-acknowledging-mississippi-county-steel-industry,Rep. Crawford Introduces House Resolution Acknowledging Mississippi County Steel Industry,2021-04-22,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Introduces House Resolution Acknowledging Mississippi County Steel Industry 4/22/2021 Washington — Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) introduced a House Resolution recognizing Mississippi County, AR as the leader in electric arc furnace (EAF) steel production. The EAF steelmaking method utilizes melted recycled scrap steel to generate new steel while emitting up to 75 percent fewer carbon emissions, laying the foundation for a sustainable economy. Mississippi County's steel producers have the capacity to make more than 8 million tons of recycled steel annually. According to the American Iron & Steel Institute, Mississippi County's steel industry supports more than 13,000 jobs and contributes more than $6.5 billion dollars to the economy of Arkansas' First District. Upon Introduction of the resolution, Rep. Crawford said, ""The steel industry is vital to the local economies in Arkansas's First District, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Mississippi County continues to lead in innovative steel production by utilizing the most efficient andsustainable methods which, ultimately, benefit consumers. Our steelmakers are recycling the steel of the past and using it to build America's future. I am proud to recognize their dedication and contributions to Arkansas and to the entire steel industry."" #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-leads-bipartisan-introduction-trillion-trees-act,Westerman Leads Bipartisan Introduction of The Trillion Trees Act,2021-04-19,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) joined Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), House Committee on Agriculture Ranking Member Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-Penn.), House Committee on Appropriations Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-Texas), House Committee on Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-Wash.) and 67 other members in introducing the Trillion Trees Act of 2021. ""Despite incredible improvements in technology, trees are still the most large-scale, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly carbon sequestration devices we have. Growing more trees to pull carbon from the atmosphere, scientifically managing our forests to mitigate catastrophic wildfires, and incentivizing the use of wood products as renewable resources provides a comprehensive, practical solution to the climate issues we're facing today. I'm a licensed forester, and I've spent years studying the best way to utilize forests to improve our economy and the environment at the same time. The Trillion Trees Act accomplishes both of those goals. These are the kinds of free market driven environmental solutions that conservatism is all about, ones that incentivize economical growth without sacrificing a healthy, thriving environment. I'm proud to introduce the Trillion Trees Act again this Congress, and I'm grateful to all my colleagues who have joined the effort. Let's plant some trees!"" - House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) ""The United States has led the world in reducing emissions in the past decade. From technology to investments in infrastructure, American leadership will make it possible to reduce emissions around the world. The same is true for conservation. We can build on our success in reducing emissions by planting trees around the world and better managing our forests here at home. I am proud to cosponsor the Trillion Trees Act because it provides actionable solutions to achieve cleaner air, reduce wildfires, and reverse the effects of deforestation. This legislation gives every American and their communities the chance to be a part of the solution, and sets an example for the rest of the world."" -House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) ""By ramping up active management and tree planting, healthy forests will play an important role in the climate discussion as they become even stronger carbon sinks. While we continue to bring climate solutions to the table, the Forest Service, working together with states, and private landowners, must use every tool available to promote forest health and resiliency. I thank my colleague, Ranking Member Westerman, for his leadership on this creative legislation. I look forward to working with him to advance this proposal and other natural climate solutions within the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committee put forward this week by our Republican colleagues."" - House Committee on Agriculture Ranking Member Glenn ‘GT' Thompson (R-Penn.) ""We owe it to generations to come to be responsible stewards of our environment—as well as our economy. The Trillion Trees Act is sensible legislation that will lower carbon in our atmosphere by planting and protecting our forests, creating American jobs along the way. Planting a trillion trees would cut roughly two-thirds of all the man-made carbon emissions that have been created since the Industrial Revolution. As a conservation-minded Texan, I'm proud to be part of this incredible bipartisan effort that encourages all Americans to responsibly grow, use, and preserve our nation's rich natural resources."" - House Committee on Appropriations Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-Texas) ""To win the future we must embrace bold ideas and result-driven climate solutions. The goal of planting a trillion trees is an ambitious one that has the ability to change the world by sequestering 205 gigatons of carbon while supporting jobs, healthy forests, and advancements in clean energy. Eastern Washington's forests are part of the solution for delivering results for the next generation.""- House Committee on Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-Wash.) Background The Trillion Trees Act is a bipartisan bill that will solidify the United States as a global leader of the One Trillion Trees Initiative to conserve, restore and grow 1 trillion trees worldwide. Studies show that restoring 1 trillion new trees globally would sequester 205 gigatons of carbon, an amount equivalent to two-thirds of all manmade emissions remaining in the atmosphere today. Arkansas is one of the United States' leading producers in timber, harvesting more than 24 million tons per year, worth an estimated $445 million to landowners. The Trillion Trees Act uses a three-pronged approach of regeneration, management and utilization to grow more wood and store more carbon globally. By motivating the use of wood as a renewable resource through sustainable building tax credits and incentivizing the growth of more trees on the land currently utilized, new timber markets will be created in Arkansas and the nation. Read a section-by-section breakdown of the legislation, full bill text and more here. Original cosponsors: U.S. Reps. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Jim Baird (R-Ind.), Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), Jerry Carl (R-Ala.), Earl L. ""Buddy"" Carter (R-Ga.), Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.), Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio), Jenniffer González Colón (R-Puerto Rico), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Kay Granger (R-Texas), Garret Graves (R-La.), Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), French Hill (R-Ark.), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Young Kim (R-Calif.), Bob Latta (R-Ohio), Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Tracey Mann (R-Kansas), Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Peter Meijer (R-Mich.), Dan Meuser (R-Penn.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Blake Moore (R-Utah), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), Burgess Owens (R-Utah), Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), David Rouzer (R-N.C.), Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), Austin Scott (R-Ga.), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Chris Stewart (R-Utah), Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), Glenn ""GT"" Thompson (R-Penn.), Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), David Valadao (R-Calif.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Daniel Webster (R-Fla.), Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Don Young (R-Alaska). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/members-of-congress-ask-secretary-buttigieg-to-justify-federal-funds-for-troubled-california-high-speed-rail-project,Members of Congress Ask Secretary Buttigieg to Justify Federal Funds for Troubled California High Speed Rail Project,2021-04-15,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: April 15, 2021 Contact: Justin Harclerode PRESS RELEASE Members of Congress Ask Secretary Buttigieg to Justify Federal Funds for Troubled California High Speed Rail Project Washington, DC – A dozen Members of Congress today, led by Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Ranking Member Rick Crawford (R-AR), wrote to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg detailing their concerns with providing any additional federal funds to California's high speed rail project, which has met with significant cost overruns and delays since 2008. The Members asked the Secretary to justify any funding the project is slated to receive through the Department's programs. Joining Crawford on the letter were Reps. Michelle Steel (R-CA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Mike Garcia (R-CA), Michael Guest (R-MS), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Scott Perry (R-PA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Bruce Westerman (R-AR). In their letter, the Members note that recent praise from DOT and the Federal Railroad Administration ""…ignores the troubling fact that the California high speed rail project is exorbitant, costly and perpetually behind schedule.This venture represents a glaring illustration of poor planning and massive taxpayer waste. As such, the project should not receive funding or support from the DOT."" They then catalogue the long list of issues the rail project has experienced and conclude: ""Unfortunately, it appears the only certainty for the California high speed rail project under the Biden Administration is more wasteful federal funding redirected from more worthwhile transportation projects and programs.Instead of pursuing the frivolous desire to ‘lead the world' in high speed rail, this Administration should focus on providing Americans with the safe, affordable, and practical infrastructure they demand."" The Members requested answers to several questions, including the amount of federal funding the project is expected to receive, justifications for such funds and the reversal of a 2019 FRA rescission of $929 million in unused project funds, and DOT plans to ensure accountability for any funding to the project. The text of the letter is below and available here (with citations): Dear Secretary Buttigieg, Since assuming leadership of the Department of Transportation (DOT) you have enthusiastically promoted construction of high speed rail projects in America, including the current development of the high speed rail line in California. You support these projects on the grounds that America should ""lead the world"" in high speed rail. The acting head of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) also praised the California high-speed rail project, declaring that DOT ""looks forward to partnering with California as it leads the way to build back better."" Unfortunately, this praise ignores the troubling fact that the California high speed rail project is exorbitant, costly and perpetually behind schedule. This venture represents a glaring illustration of poor planning and massive taxpayer waste. As such, the project should not receive funding or support from the DOT. Since its beginning in 2008, the California high speed rail project has suffered from an endless series of delays and costly failures. The proposed Los Angeles-to-San Francisco line was originally estimated to cost roughly $33 billion and begin operating in 2020. Since then, cost estimates spiraled upwards and out of control, with the price now estimated at around $100 billion and no firm prediction for the start of services. Several reports over the years highlighted the serious mismanagement of the project, which include wildly inaccurate cost estimates, poor planning, and a lack of transparency in use of funds, resulting in these extensive cost overruns and project delays. The project has also caused serious ongoing problems in the communities it touches. An official in Fresno, CA, complained that construction left the city with ""torn up streets, blighted property and homeless encampments."" One county has struggled to acquire land needed for the line, which has proven to be a ""monumental hurdle"" dating back almost a decade. A recent report noted that in that one county alone, the venture must acquire roughly 264 parcels of land to continue work, with no timeline for completing such an obstacle. Moreover, cost overruns for the line in that county have been reported to exceed $800 million, with construction there still incomplete. These issues only seem to grow despite the prior investment of billions of federal taxpayer dollars. During the Obama Administration, California high speed rail received almost $4 billion in federal grants. In 2019, the Federal Government canceled $929 million in unused federal funding for the venture due to persistent, unmitigated delays and mismanagement, which led California to file a lawsuit. The Biden Administration recently announced that it was entering into ""confidential discussions"" with California to resolve the litigation and determine the future of the funds. Releasing this money to the project despite no evidence of improved circumstances, or a clearly articulated plan for the funds, further demonstrates the reckless use of taxpayer money on this endeavor. Given the unending setbacks, it is highly unlikely that the Los Angeles-to-San Francisco phase – originally estimated as operational starting last year – will reach completion by the new predicted date of 2033. Even assuming the project becomes operational, the rail line will likely lose money and require annual government subsidies to function. Reports indicate that a portion of the line potentially set to open later this decade could lose between $40 million and $90 million annually without government support. Unfortunately, it appears the only certainty for the California high speed rail project under the Biden Administration is more wasteful federal funding redirected from more worthwhile transportation projects and programs. Instead of pursuing the frivolous desire to ""lead the world"" in high speed rail, this Administration should focus on providing Americans with the safe, affordable, and practical infrastructure they demand. Accordingly, we respectfully ask that you provide the following information in writing by May 5, 2021: 1) The amount of federal funding the California high speed rail project is expected to receive based on the DOT's analysis of the financial records and formula grants. For this please include the financial statements and formulas utilized, including any revisions to the formula that have occurred and the guidance issued. 2) The justification for any reversal of FRA's 2019 decision to de-obligate federal funding for the California high speed rail project and explanation for how the recipient has overcome these previous concerns and violations of its cooperative agreement with DOT. 3) The justification for applying federal funds to the California high speed rail project, beyond the desire to ""lead the world"" in high speed rail, and despite ongoing problems that required the recission of federal funding in 2019. 4) DOT's intended plans to ensure accountability and transparency that any federal funding for the California high speed rail project is spent responsibly and meets metrics. 5) The status of litigation discussions with the State of California related to the $929 million in federal funding previously withdrawn due to project issues.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-urges-treasury-department-to-review-merger-between-chinese-backed-companies,Rep. Crawford Urges Treasury Department to Review Merger Between Chinese-Backed Companies,2021-04-15,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Urges Treasury Department to Review Merger Between Chinese-Backed Companies 4/15/2021 Washington — Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01), joined by 15 of his House colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary Yellen of the U.S. Department of Treasury requesting a review of the merger between ChemChina, Sinochem, and Syngenta AG. The merger was originally approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) in 2016, prior to recent news of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) support for the consolidation of the companies. American agriculture producers made up over a quarter of Synogenta AG's business in 2015 and are still a major market for the company. Both ChemChina and Sinochem are on the Department of Defense's list of companies that directly finance the CCP's military and intelligence operations. ""The Chinese Communist Party has, for decades, taken advantage of American farmers and now want them to finance their malicious behavior. The merger of these companies is a major concern given China's long history of engaging in economic espionage and agriculture-related intellectual property theft. The United States must protect our agriculture producers and our nation's food supply rather than allowing American dollars to fund the CCP's campaign to manipulate markets and expand their influence,"" said Rep. Crawford. ""The Chinese Communist Party is aggressively targeting biotechnology through its Made in China 2025 industrial policy and commercial espionage because it is a critical and emerging sector for the global economy. Allowing the PRC to control this important sector through mergers and acquisitions would we aren't genuinely pursuing strategic competition with the CCP. CFIUS should use the ChemChina and Sinochem merger to correct its mistake of letting ChemChina acquire Syngenta in 2016 to begin with,"" said House Committee on Foreign Affairs Ranking Member McCaul ""It's imperative the United States take seriously the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Including, their increased influence and consolidation within our education and business communities, and their threat to U.S. investment and intellectual property rights. We can start by reexamining the 2016 decision that allowed ChemChina's acquisition of Syngenta AG,"" said Rep. Baird. ""As the CCP attempts to expand its influence around the world through state-sponsored mergers and acquisitions like that with Syngenta Group, protecting American farmers and the agriculture supply chain has become a matter of national security. CFIUS and Congress must work together to ensure the Chinese Communist Party cannot disrupt the American food supply and never profits off of the hard work of American farmers,"" said Rep. Guest. ""China has taken advantage of Iowa's farmers for decades, and this merger would only give China further leverage. Taxpayer dollars should not help Communist China disproportionately influence global markets. We must stand up for American agriculture and stop allowing China to cheat and steal from Americans without consequences,"" said Rep. Hinson. ""China continues to consolidate state-owned entities in the global agriculture industry at an alarming rate. Their influence over the sector can have catastrophic effects to not only U.S. production and markets, but to farming operations and access to food around the world. Food security is national security, and it is imperative the U.S. work to keep the global agriculture industry diverse and products affordable for people around the block and across the globe,"" said Rep. Scott. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-ohalleran-introduce-bill-improve-rural-road-safety,"Westerman, O’Halleran Introduce Bill to Improve Rural Road Safety",2021-04-14,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ) introduced the High Risk Rural Roads Safety Grant Program Act of 2021. Westerman and O'Halleran issued the following statements: ""As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Road Safety Caucus, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of bipartisan, common sense solutions such as this,"" said Westerman. ""Rural infrastructure is a critical facet of economic growth and quality of life for those who live in rural and tribal communities. All Americans rely on safe roads to go about their daily lives, and in rural areas, dangerous roads often cannot be avoided. Investing in road safety has significant potential to save lives."" ""Rural Arizonans are forced to drive on some of the most dangerous, outdated roads in America, putting First District families at risk every day on their way to work and school,"" said O'Halleran.""I'm proud to introduce this urgently-needed, bipartisan legislation that invests in the safety and economic growth of rural and tribal communities by providing the resources and funding necessary to complete critical high-risk rural road projects."" Background Through the Highway Trust Fund, funds made available by the High Risk Rural Roads Safety Grant Program Act of 2021 can be used for 20 eligible safety improving items including road safety audits, intersection safety improvements, the installation of rumble strips or other warning devices, improvement for pedestrian safety, guardrails or barriers, and shoulder widening. The High Risk Rural Roads Safety Grant Program Act of 2021 authorizes $750 million per year for five years for rural road safety improvements, with $150 million set aside for tribal governments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-concludes-hometown-heroes-tour,Westerman Concludes Hometown Heroes Tour,2021-04-09,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"April 9, 2021 WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) concluded his Hometown Heroes tour of the Fourth District focused on the men, women, and businesses who have selflessly served their communities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Westerman issued the following statement: ""This year has been especially difficult for the entire nation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but when hard times present themselves, the people of Arkansas step up to help each other. It was an honor to meet those who rose to the occasion. These inspiring stories are another reason why I am so proud to represent Arkansas' Fourth District. I appreciate the people who took the time to nominate a member of their community and the heroes who generously served others throughout this challenging year."" Background The Hometown Heroes tour was aimed at recognizing those who have selflessly served their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. On each visit, Westerman honored the awardees and presented them with a certificate recognizing their exceptional service. Each hero's story will be shared on Westerman's social media channels over the next several weeks. The full itinerary: Ms. Betty Cook, who delivered meals to children in need when schools were closed | Sheridan Ms. Lisa Grove,who uses social media to spotlight local businesses | Sheridan Ms. Melrita Johnson who mentors young social workers and collects food, toiletry, and infant necessities donations | Pine Bluff Ms. Lynette Bloomberg, who used her sewing machine to make hundreds of masks for her fellow residents | Pine Bluff Mr. Daryl Graydon, owner of Lil D's BBQ, who provided meals for front line workers and residents in need at no cost | Pine Bluff Ms. Lynn Wilson, owner of Rison Pharmacy, whose owners and employees organized charitable drives and went above and beyond to educate the public on the COVID-19 vaccine | Rison Mr. Nathan Greeley, Bearden Police Chief, who bought essentials for the homebound with his own money, delivered medications, and conducted wellness checks on sick residents | Bearden Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Elena Bruewer,who drove nursing home staff to and from work and provided meals during the snowstorms | El Dorado Ms. Linda Vestal, owner of Memory Lane Café, who installed a ""pay-it-forward"" board to give customers the opportunity to help their fellow citizens who are in need and donated PPE to the City of Belleville for public events | Belleville Ms. Mary Graham, who facilitates a county-wide food bank for approximately 150 families each week and drives 70 miles round trip to gather donations | Ozark Ms. Angel Yother, who created a Facebook page with nearly 3,000 members called ""Sharing my Hometown,"" which keeps residents informed on where to find food and shelter and promotes local businesses. Ms. Yother also drove residents to and from work and delivered food to those in need | Ozark Ms. Misty Sevenstar, employee of Alma First Baptist, who organized and hosted COVID-19 vaccine clinics to distribute nearly one thousand vaccines | Alma Mr. Tommy Stueart, Mena Police Chief, who safely managed his Department during the COVID-19 pandemic | Mena Mr. and Mrs. Todd and Lori Finley - Mrs. Finley is the Jo Ann Walters Elementary School Principal and Mr. Finley is the school's girls basketball and softball coach as well as the health teacher. Mrs. Finley provided a quality educational experience to students who had no access to internet service in order to learn virtually. Mr. Finley safely kept the sports programs going during the pandemic | Dierks",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-introduces-the-paving-the-way-for-rural-communities-act,Rep. Crawford Introduces the Paving the Way for Rural Communities Act,2021-04-08,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Rep. Crawford Introduces the Paving the Way for Rural Communities Act 4/8/2021 Washington — Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) along with Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08), introduced the Paving the Way for Rural Communities Act of 2021. This legislation will make it easier to repair America's roads and bridges by removing burdensome government regulations that are adversely targeted towards rural areas. Specifically, it exempts federally funded projects in our smaller, rural areas from the complex and costly laws such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). ""The regulations of ESA, NHPA, and NEPA add enormous costs to communities as they try to provide safe and updated infrastructure to their residents while juggling the demands of the Federal government. In my district, multiple projects have been almost upended, and money washed down the drain because of burdensome regulations designed without Rural America in mind. We should be empowering our rural communities to build up new infrastructure efficiently, not weighing them down with outdated red tape,"" said Rep. Crawford. The Paving the Way for Rural Communities Act of 2021 will remove outdated and burdensome barriers that rural communities in West Tennessee face when it comes to receiving federal assistance for economic development,"" said Rep. Kustoff. ""It is important that we continue to support rural America by cutting red tape and ensuring these small towns have equal access to economic growth and opportunities, especially with infrastructure projects. I appreciate Representative Rick Crawford and Senators Blackburn and Hyde-Smith for joining me in introducing this crucial bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues on its quick passage."" ""Joe Biden's infrastructure plan will increase government control, tax hardworking Americans, and cause our federal deficit to skyrocket,"" said Senator Blackburn. ""While America's roads and bridges need repair, especially in rural areas, there are countless ways to fix this without harming working families. This bill is a tax-free alternative that will strengthen our nation's infrastructure and remove regulations that prevent rural counties from fixing their roads."" #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-to-major-league-baseball-time-to-play-by-the-rules,"Rep. Crawford to Major League Baseball: ""Time to Play by the Rules!”",2021-04-05,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Robertson ( Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov ) Rep. Crawford to Major League Baseball: ""Time to Play by the Rules!"" April 5, 2021 Washington – Today, Representative Crawford announced his intention to draft legislation to level the playing field by treating all American businesses equally with respect to Cuba and other totalitarian regimes. Currently, a byzantine system of haves and have nots allows only select entities to participate in new markets for their goods or services. ""America has always been a country that affords everyone equal opportunity to pursue their business interests, and it should be no different for our agriculture producers,"" said Crawford. ""Cuba is an untapped market for our rice producers, as well as poultry growers across the country. It's unconscionable that Major League Baseball has unfettered access to Cuba – which allows the organization to make untold amounts of money while the Cuban people still live under a repressive regime – and our agriculture producers operate by a different set of rules."" Currently, American agriculture producers can export agricultural commodities to Cuban individuals unaffiliated with the government, but only through a cash-in-advance transaction, rather than a purchase on credit. However, Cuba is a cash poor country, meaning this policy practically restricts any consequential interactions between U.S. businesses and the Cuban people. Cuba is less than one hundred miles from the U.S. border and presents a significant market opportunity due to lower transportation costs and significant demand for high-quality, abundant food, such as rice and poultry. The Cuban people struggle to access an ample and healthy food supply due the oppressive Cuban government and would greatly benefit from affordable U.S. products. Representative Crawford plans to draft legislation that requires Major League Baseball to follow the same rules as agriculture producers with regard to interactions with the Cuban government and the Cuban people. The legislation will prevent Major League Baseball from deriving any income or profit from the nation of Cuba, players who are citizens of Cuba, or the likeness of any player who participates in any level of the league. Players will be exempt from any of these policies and will be able to continue earning their salaries from their teams or endorsement contracts. ""I have worked tirelessly over the last decade to open trade with the Cuban people. I have traveled to Cuba to meet with stakeholders in the agriculture sector and others interested in easing trade restrictions, who desperately want to access American agricultural goods,"" said Crawford. ""During one of my trips, I asked to visit the nicest grocery store in the country, only to find empty shelves with no food for the local residents. It's past time that Major League Baseball play by the same rules hindering American agriculture producers to equally prevent the organization from profiting in a country that routinely oppresses its citizenry while interacting with other totalitarian regimes in the southern hemisphere."" Representative Crawford has pursued multiple avenues during his time in congress to advance agricultural trade with Cuba and it's citizenry: 2014 – Crawford Sends Bipartisan Letter on Cuba to President Obama (attached) 2015 – Crawford Announces Cuba Working Group 2016 – Crawford Heading to Cuba on Trade Trip 2016 – Crawford Sends Trump Transition Team Letter on Cuba 2017 – Crawford: Those whose property was thieved would receive compensation 2017 – WSJ: Open Cuba's Market to U.S. Farmers 2017 – Crawford Opposes Cuba Policy Shift 2018 – Farm Bill Language Signifies Trade with Cuba as Historic, Mutually Beneficial 2019 – Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Assist Farmers in Exporting to Cuba ""Just as America's pastime requires everyone to play by the same set of rules, American policies with regard to Cuba must be applied equally to ensure every American business operates in the same manner. This common-sense policy should be as easy to implement as a 5-4-3 double play to win the game,"" said Crawford. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/members-arkansas-delegation-announce-49-million-texarkana-regional,Members of the Arkansas Delegation Announce $4.9 Million for Texarkana Regional Airport-Webb Field,2021-04-01,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON –U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), along with U. S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), announce the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded over $4.9 million in federal funds to Texarkana Regional Airport-Webb Field. ""The investment in Texarkana Regional Airport-Webb Field will greatly benefit the Texarkana community and Arkansas as a whole,"" said Rep. Westerman. ""The FAA's $4.9 million investment to reconstruct the terminal will be an important part of bolstering Southwest Arkansas‘s economy through commerce, tourism, and access."" ""Modernizing this terminal will help ensure we can meet the future needs of travelers in and around Texarkana. I'm proud to support infrastructure investments like this that encourage economic growth and development,"" said Senator Boozman. ""Regional airports play a critical role in their local economies and serve as a gateway to the community,"" said Senator Cotton. ""This investment will help modernize the Texarkana Regional Airport-Webb Field and improve service for those traveling to southwest Arkansas."" Background The DOT, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is distributing $4,960,000 to the Texarkana Airport Authority for the purpose of reconstructing its terminal building. This funding is awarded through the FAA's second round of FY21 Airport Improvement Program grants.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-introduces-bills-ensuring-benefits-veterans-exposed-agent,Westerman Introduces Bills Ensuring Benefits for Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange,2021-03-26,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced two bipartisan bills to ensure veterans who were exposed to chemical herbicides while serving their country receive the benefits they have earned. The Keeping Our Promises Act is co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and 18 colleagues, and a second bill extending benefits to Vietnam War-era veterans stationed in Thailand is co-sponsored by 37 House colleagues and is a companion bill to Senator John Boozman's (R-AR) S. 657. ""Our United States veterans were promised upon their retirement from service that they would be provided benefits and care for life, but they have often been denied benefits despite ample evidence of a connection between their time in service and their health status,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""It is our responsibility to make good on our word. Those who served during the Vietnam War in Vietnam and Thailand have earned care for exposure to Agent Orange, which they endured in service to our nation. These bills set a precedent for all veterans that their country has their backs and will keep its promises. I was grateful to champion this effort in the 116th Congress and see three of the presumptive service-connected diseases signed into law as part of the 2021 NDAA, but our work is not done."" ""It's our responsibility to ensure that our veterans have the benefits and health care they have earned. Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and Thailand have not been able to get the care they need to help recover from this toxic exposure,"" said Congressman Thompson. ""I'm proud to coauthor these bipartisan bills to ensure these veterans aren't left behind and allow them to access care and benefits needed to treat these service-connected illnesses. I urge Congress to take up these bills and fulfill our duty to our nation's veterans."" ""Veterans who honorably served during the Vietnam War-era in Thailand to this day are paying a high price as a result of having been carelessly hindered by the limitations on the presumption of toxic exposure to Agent Orange, but they aren't forgotten. I'm grateful for Congressman Westerman's leadership in the House of Representatives to ensure these veterans get the benefits they've earned,"" saidSenator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. Background The Keeping our Promises Act follows the science by adding six diseases to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) list of medical conditions eligible for benefits due to exposure to Agent Orange. Additionally, the bill allows 120 days for the Secretary of the VA to determine adding future diseases following a published National Academy of Medicine report. The bill will also require the VA to report in the Federal Register and to Congressional Committees its reasons for adding or denying the addition of diseases to the Agent Orange list of presumptives and explicitly prohibits cost as a factor for making these determinizations. The second bill will ensure all veterans who served on a base in Thailand during the Vietnam War, regardless of rank or position, and were presumed exposed to herbicides will be provided with the benefits and care they have earned. It also extends the date of recognized service in Thailand through June 30, 1976.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-medicare-sequestration-vote,Westerman Statement on Medicare Sequestration Vote,2021-03-19,2021,2021-03,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 voted to pass H.R. 1868. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement: ""Today, Speaker Pelosi forced the House to vote on a bill – H.R. 1868 – that absolves her members from dealing with the outcome of the fiscally irresponsible so-called ""COVID-19 relief"" package that costs American taxpayers nearly $2 trillion. Due to the bloated funding in that measure, automatic spending sequesters are set to hit Medicare. While Democrats may claim that voting against H.R. 1868 means Republicans are voting for cuts to Medicare in spite of patients' health care needs or providers' financial needs, that is simply false. Countless Republicans, including myself, have supported Medicare throughout this pandemic. In fact, I voted numerous times to ensure that Medicare sequestration cuts would not go into effect during this public health emergency and cosponsored a bill to that effect. I support protecting Medicare for patients and providers. What I do not support is bailing out the Democrats' $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan through a shell game with American tax dollars. Instead of cutting wasteful spending from their massive special interest bailout bill to offset cuts to Medicare, they passed another bill to add more debt that will be on the backs of our children and grandchildren. Instead of playing the arsonist one week and the firefighter the next, House Democrats should be held accountable for their actions. I look forward to finding fiscally sustainable ways to protect patients, providers, and all taxpayers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-wild-send-letter-omb-msa-rule-change,"Westerman, Wild Send Letter to OMB on MSA Rule Change",2021-03-19,2021,2021-03,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-AR) and Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) along with 51 colleagues requesting a reversal of the proposed rule to raise the population threshold for a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). ""I am proud to come together with 51 of my colleagues to strongly oppose the proposed OMB rule change that would strip 144 communities in 45 states and Puerto Rico of their status as a Metropolitan Statistical Area,"" said Congressman Westerman. ""OMB provided no reasonable justification for changing 70 years of precedent in a manner that could detrimentally hinder the economic development of many communities across America. I am glad to work with my friends across the aisle to voice our opposition against this unacceptable rule change."" ""The classification of our smaller cities is hugely important in funding streams, especially as we look towards our recovery from the pandemic,"" said Rep. Susan Wild. ""I urge Acting Director Fairweather to keep in mind the needs of our communities at this critical juncture and rethink any move to reclassify cities from around the country, including those in my district."" Background: On January 19, 2021, the Office of Management and Budget published a proposal in the Federal Register to change the population threshold for a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The current population threshold, which has been unchanged since 1950, is 50,000 or more persons. The proposed new threshold will be 100,000 or more persons. This change will cause 144 of the 392 MSAs to lose their designation. Declassified cities will either lose access to some federal programs or see greatly diminished federal funding from those using the MSA designation as a qualifying factor. Some programs, like the Community Development Block Grant, Federal Transit Administration grants, and Medicare's prospective payment system for acute care hospital inpatients could be inaccessible to these communities. Find the full text of the letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-houlahan-brownley-and-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-read,"Westerman, Houlahan, Brownley, and Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan READ Act to Improve Literacy Rates Across the Country",2021-03-18,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Bruce Westerman introduced the bipartisan READ Act with Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). ""As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, preparing educators by supporting science-based instruction is one of my top priorities,"" said Rep. Westerman, Co-Chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus. ""The bipartisan READ Act focuses on early learning intervention and helps identify those with reading disabilities. Arkansas and Pennsylvania have set the example for how to properly implement reading curriculum into our schools, rendering great results. The federal grant program created by the READ Act will allow other states to adopt these programs and help end illiteracy in America. I am proud to work with my friends across the aisle on this important step forward for those struggling with dyslexia."" ""The need for this legislation during this COVID crisis cannot be overstated,"" said Rep. Houlahan. ""We are seeing early childhood literacy rates drop in PA and across the country. For years, the data has been clear: ‘A student who can't read on grade level by 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate by age 19 than a child who does read proficiently by that time.' As we work to get kids safely back in school, one of our first priorities needs to be addressing any loss of learning, particularly around literacy. What people must remember is that without literacy, learning other subjects becomes nearly impossible. Prior to serving in Congress, I was a chemistry teacher in north Philadelphia to amazingly engaging 11th grade students. Chemistry is already a complicated subject, but it's made all the more difficult if you are reading at a 3rd or 4th grade level, as many of my students were. And the implications stretch beyond education. Over $200 million in health care costs is linked to illiteracy each year: when individuals can't understand their prescription bottle, how can we expect them to stay healthy? We need aggressive action to combat the literacy crisis in our country, and as someone with a background in early childhood literacy, I'm proud to lead the charge. Our READ Act makes clear that we're fighting to make sure every child learns how to read, and consequently, can find success in their education and livelihoods."" ""I first entered public service as a way to advocate for a better education for my daughter, who has dyslexia, and for other students with special needs,"" said Rep. Brownley, Co-Chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus. ""As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I know that childhood literacy is an essential component of an all-encompassing educational experience, and we must do everything we can to ensure that our schools have the resources necessary to identify gaps in literacy and intervene early for students who are struggling. In this way, we can ensure that all children, regardless of their learning ability, have equitable footing in their education. I'm pleased to join Reps. Houlahan, Westerman, and Fitzpatrick in introducing this legislation to help children with dyslexia and other literacy limitations achieve academic success."" ""Reading is a critical skill that can make all the difference in one's life, and with more than 30 million adults in the United States who cannot read or write above a third-grade level, we must do more to ensure that every child and adult is literate. Pennsylvania has been a pioneer in addressing this literacy crisis; in 2014, Pennsylvania launched its Dyslexia Screening and Early Literacy Intervention Pilot Program, establishing a three-year early literacy intervention and dyslexia pilot program that uses evidence-based screening, instruction, and intervention for at-risk students. The READ Act is modeled after PA's pilot program and will further build on these ideas by creating a grant program that enables states to provide teachers with the necessary tools to detect and support early reading deficiencies and dyslexia,"" said Rep. Fitzpatrick. ""I am proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan bill that will help ensure every student of our next generation and beyond can reach their full potential."" Background: More than 30 million adults in the United States cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Both Pennsylvania and Arkansas have been pioneers in addressing the literacy crisis, implementing programs instructing teachers in the science of reading. The bipartisan READ Act creates a grant program allowing other states to capitalize on what we have learned about how to best support educators in teaching students how to read. Full text of the READ Act can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-crawford-lead-call-for-us-iraq-rice-tender,"Higgins, Crawford Lead Call for U.S.-Iraq Rice Tender",2021-03-10,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) led a bipartisan letter to U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller, urging him to work with Iraq's Minister of Trade to announce and execute a U.S.-specific rice tender under the terms of the U.S.-Iraq Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Since the first MOU was signed in 2016, the U.S. has shipped 390,000 tons of American rice to Iraq. ""The domestic availability of rice throughout Iraq has been strained because of a lack of oil revenues, but the government has provided a supplementary budget to aid in rice procurement,"" the lawmakers wrote. ""We urge you to work with Iraq's Minister of Trade to swiftly announce and execute a U.S.-specific tender under the terms of the MOU. This would provide an opportunity to provide a high-quality and nutritious U.S. grown agricultural product and spur much-needed local economic activity that has suffered since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic."" Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Jason Smith (R-MO), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Garret Graves (R-LA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Brian Babin (R-TX), Michael Guest (R-MS), Randy Weber (R-TX), Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Troy Nehls (R-TX) also signed the letter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-introduces-legislation-to-create-an-intelligence-office-in-usda,Rep. Crawford Introduces Legislation to Create an Intelligence Office in USDA,2021-03-09,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"3/9/2021 Today, Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01) along with Reps. Rick Allen, Don Bacon, Jim Baird, Troy Balderson, Chris Jacobs, Trent Kelly, Elise Stefanik, Chris Stewart, Mike Turner, and Brad Wenstrup introduced H.R. 1625, the Agricultural Intelligence Measures (AIM) Act. This legislation would establish an Office of Intelligence within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to leverage the capabilities of the intelligence community to ensure the Secretary of Agriculture is fully informed of all imminent threats and American agriculture is safe from all threats both foreign and domestic. This highly specialized office would work to understand any efforts to steal U.S. agriculture knowledge and technology and to develop or implement biological warfare attacks, cyber or clandestine operations, or other means of sabotaging and disrupting the agriculture industry. ""Because of the hard work of our farmers and researchers, Americans enjoy the most dependable food system in the world,"" said Rep. Crawford. ""However, the complex supply chain and invaluable nature of the agriculture industry means it is particularly vulnerable. Over the last year, we've all seen the chaos that can come from a single pathogen or uncertainty in the grocery store aisles. Agriculture security is national security, and the AIM Act is a critical first step to safer food, safer farms, and a safer future."" ""One of my priorities in the 117th Congress is to ensure the protection of intellectual property in all sectors of the U.S. economy, including our agriculture industry. We have seen foreign actors steal American intellectual property, and this legislation will strengthen our agriculture security by protecting America's ag knowledge and technology,"" said Rep. Allen. ""American agricultural innovation is allowing for higher yields, increased quality and efficiency, and growing in new climates. But this innovation comes with increased threats from foreign adversaries like China,"" Rep. Jacobs said. ""Protecting American agriculture from sabotage, intellectual property theft, and biological threats is a national security issue. We have seen firsthand over the last year how important a secure and reliable food supply chain is to our economy and health. The office created by this legislation is a critical step in detecting vulnerabilities and threats to ensure the strength and security of American agriculture and our food supply."" ""In the North Country, we are especially fortunate to have safe and reliable access to an abundant food supply thanks to our farmers and agribusinesses, but the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly taught us that the supply chain is vulnerable and must be protected. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to encourage interagency coordination and protect our farms, food, and industry from threats both foreign and domestic,"" said Rep. Stefanik. ""Protecting American farmers and our food supply is a top national security concern. This bill removes the barriers between the intelligence community and the Department of Agriculture to protect against sabotage and disruption within our supply chain,"" said Rep. Stewart. ""The Secretary of Agriculture must be prepared to overcome domestic or foreign threats to our agriculture systems, including any efforts by foreign governments to steal U.S. agriculture and technology or target our food supply by producing a pathogenic threat,"" said Rep. Turner. ""I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of The Agricultural Intelligence Measures (AIM) Act, which would help safeguard our agriculture industry by establishing an office to notify the Secretary of Agriculture on serious potential threats. Having served as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and as a representative for hardworking Ohio farmers, I know that this legislation will take a critical step to protect our farmers, our food supply, and our nation."" ""Securing our nation's food system is a critical component of our nation's overall security. This legislation would bolster our efforts to protect our agricultural security, prevent foreign efforts to steal U.S. intellectual property and innovation, and secure the overall health and safety of the American people,"" said Rep. Wenstrup. #########",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-appointed-vice-republican-leader-of-the-house-agriculture-committee,Rep. Crawford Appointed Vice Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee,2021-03-08,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"3/8/2021 Today, Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01) was appointed as Vice Republican Leader on the House Agriculture Committee by Republican Leader Glenn ""GT"" Thompson, of Pennsylvania. Representative Thompson was elected by the Republican Steering Committee in December to lead the Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress. Representative Crawford will also serve on the following three Subcommittees: General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research ""I am honored to have been appointed to this role by Republican Leader Thompson"", said Crawford. ""Our nation's farmers and ranchers continue to demonstrate resilience despite the unforeseen challenges they face on a daily basis. Now, more than ever, we need a secure and stable food supply and I look forward to working with Republican Leader Thompson and all of my friends and colleagues on the Agriculture Committee as we continue to work with our nation's producers to make American agriculture safe, secure, and enduring for generations to come."" This marks over 12 years of Representative Crawford serving on the House Agriculture Committee. Crawford has chaired subcommittees which had jurisdiction over matters pertaining to row crops, livestock, rural development, and risk management. #########",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-introduces-voter-id-act-0,Westerman Introduces VOTER ID Act,2021-03-02,2021,2021-03,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-AR) introduced the Verification and Oversight for Transparent Elections, Registration, and Identification (VOTER ID) Act. U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-AL), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Brian Mast (R-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), and Rick Crawford (R-AR) joined the bill as original cosponsors. ""The right to vote is a hard-won freedom that must be protected at all costs. The American people deserve to be confident in their election systems and assured that their votes count,"" Westerman said. ""The VOTER ID Act ensures states run transparent, fair elections, abiding by all applicable state and federal election laws, and empowers residents of each state to hold their elected leaders accountable. Every American has a vested interest in election security, regardless of political affiliation. I am confident that increased election transparency will help heal today's partisan climate."" ""I am proud to cosponsor this important bill,"" Rogers said. ""While House Democrats try and take over our elections federally, we've introduced a bill to actually solve problems with our elections. States should be empowered to continue our American tradition of free and fair elections."" ""The VOTER ID Act is a commonsense solution that will provide transparency in federal elections, instill confidence in voters and hold states accountable to their citizens so we can bring back voter confidence in our elections,"" said Mast. ""The legitimacy of our republic—soon to celebrate two and a half centuries as a beacon of freedom—rests on the foundation that our elections are transparent, fairly administered, and above board,"" said Weber. ""Just as Americans from either side of the aisle are losing faith in our electoral process, the VOTER ID Act implements transparency and audit procedures that aim to restore the trust of our citizens in the integrity of THEIR ballots while honoring the constitution."" ""The 2020 election demonstrated that our electoral system needs reform to ensure fairness and transparency, with each person having the right to cast their ballot as they choose,"" said Crawford. ""As it stands, the Democrats' plan is unconstitutional and would permit the federal government to hijack our current electoral system. In contrast, the VOTER ID Act upholds our Constitution by requiring standardized post-election audits in each state - a measure that would instill confidence in the outcome of all federal elections."" Background: The VOTER ID Act requires states to conduct post-election audits and publicly share the results before key election certification dates. Currently, only 38 states conduct audits, and there is large variation in practice and accountability. The VOTER ID Act also requires states to submit attestations ensuring the integrity and security of their voter identification methods and maintenance of voter rolls. States shall submit the audit to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) as part of the Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS) and post on states' websites. The audit shall include information about the accuracy of voting systems and the extent to which states complied with applicable laws, rules, and procedures related to administering an election. To help states conduct these audits, the VOTER ID Act instructs the EAC to develop a list of best practices – including recommendations that the audits are bipartisan and completed within 30 days following an election.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-passage-american-rescue-plan,Westerman Statement on Passage of the American Rescue Plan,2021-02-27,2021,2021-02,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 voted to pass the American Rescue Plan. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement: ""I am deeply disappointed that the House of Representatives passed this partisan COVID-19 relief package that does almost nothing to help hurting Americans and instead pulls our nation further into unnecessary debt. This ""relief"" bill does not live up to the name. In reality, it is a liberal wish-list designed to pay out special interests and bail out blue states whose economies have failed due to harsh restrictions. Foreign aid, a subway in Silicon Valley, and environmental justice grants do not fight the Coronavirus in our local communities. Instead, we should be rapidly increasing the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and reopen our economies and schools to survive this pandemic."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/members-of-arkansas-delegation-announce-dot-awards,Members of Arkansas Delegation Announce DOT Awards,2021-02-26,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2020 Contact: Boozman, Matthew Wester (Matthew_Wester@boozman.senate.gov) Cotton, James Arnold (James_Arnold@cotton.senate.gov) Crawford, Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov) Womack, Alexia Sikora (Alexia.Sikora@mail.house.gov) Members of Arkansas Delegation Announce DOT Awards WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford and Steve Womack—announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded over $4.5 million in federal grants to airports and airfields in Arkansas to off-set costs and maintain jobs as a result of COVID-19 as well as provide for increased sanitization to combat the spread of pathogens at these facilities. The DOT, through the Federal Aviation Administration, is distributing the funds appropriated through the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, which passed with the support of the entire Arkansas Congressional Delegation in December 2020. ""The air travel industry has experienced dramatic disruption and losses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Relief measures aimed at blunting the impact of the economic damage were necessary and we are pleased to see those funds being delivered in support of airports and airfields in Arkansas. National and regional airports connect our communities to commerce and economic activity, so it is important to provide them assistance so they continue to remain viable,"" members said. The following awardees are recipients of CRRSA funding: Northwest Arkansas National $4,382,255 to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport Authority Including a special CRRSA concession to provide economic relief from rent and minimum annual guarantees to on-airport car rental, on-airport parking and in-terminal concessions located at primary airports. Rogers Executive Airport – Carter Field $91,162 to the City of Rogers De Witt Municipal Airport/Whitcomb Field (Arkansas County) $13,000 to the City of De Witt Thompson-Robbins Airport (Phillips County) $9,000 to the City of Helena-West Helena Delta Regional Airport (St. Francis County) $13,000 to the Delta Regional Airport Authority Walnut Ridge Regional Airport (Lawrence County) $13,000 to the City of Walnut Ridge CRRSA was signed into law by former President Donald Trump on December 27, 2020. The deadline to apply for the program's grants is June 30, 2021. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-asks-president-biden-to-prioritize-areas-affected-by-extreme-weather,Rep. Crawford Asks President Biden to Prioritize Areas Affected by Extreme Weather,2021-02-25,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"2/25/2021 Washington – Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01), joined by Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) sent a letter to President Biden requesting that households, utility companies, small businesses, and agriculture producers adversely affected by the extreme winter weather receive priority for future COVID-19 relief funding. This letter is in response to the recent severe winter in the Midwestern and Southern United States, which resulted in unprecedented energy demands and rolling blackouts for millions of families. ""Millions of households spent days without any means by which to heat their homes, prepare and preserve food, and some even lost access to water,"" wrote the Congressmen. ""We share your goal in wanting to send targeted resources to the people most afflicted by the pandemic, and hope you share our desire to do the same for the families experiencing more distress due to this unprecedented weather event. We urge you to immediately prioritize any congressionally authorized direct assistance to our constituents who are suffering grave loss and will continue to experience hardship as they recover from this traumatic event. This should include individuals, utility providers, farmers and ranchers, and others other have been and will be hit financially due to an emergency completely out of their control."" Full text of the letter can be found here. #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-denounces-nonsensical-changes-to-agriculture-programs,Rep. Crawford Denounces Nonsensical Changes to Agriculture Programs,2021-01-28,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington -- This week President Biden announced a series of changes his administration has put into effect that will negatively impact agriculture producers. These orders include a travel ban from an array of countries as well as a freeze on Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) funding. Applications for CFAP have only been open to producers for a few weeks before coming to a halt and are a critical lifeline for those who work tirelessly to ensure American families have adequate food to put on the table. The travel ban prohibits travelers from Brazil, Ireland, Europe, and South Africa and comes at a time when farmers are depending on H-2A visa recipients to help assist in the spring planting season which starts in early March. ""Public safety is of paramount concern and I believe we have to make sure that any variant of this horrible disease is tracked and monitored,"" said Crawford. ""However, I believe there can be farmer-funded testing and quarantine mandates for travelers put into place which would alleviate these concerns. I urge the new administration and the appropriate agencies to consider replacing these obstructions with policies and procedures that will ensure public safety and food security for every American family."" #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-impeachment-vote-0,Westerman Statement on Impeachment Vote,2021-01-13,2021,2021-01,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 voted to impeach President Donald Trump. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement: ""I voted against impeaching President Donald J. Trump in the U.S. House of Representatives. Today's rushed process is not in keeping with one of the House's most solemn responsibilities. Unlike previous impeachment votes, there were no hearings and very little debate of the serious charges brought against the president. I carefully considered my colleagues' arguments and determined that our constitutional duty to carefully consider the power of impeachment must not be circumvented for the sake of expediency. This rushed impeachment sets a dangerous precedent for future Congresses. In addition, Joseph Biden will become president in seven days. This vote does nothing to remove President Trump before that time. ""One week ago, I experienced the attack on the Capitol firsthand. I make no excuses for the president or any others involved, and I pray that our country never again experiences an event like this. All those involved must be held accountable for their actions, and they must receive justice according to the constitutional rights they have as citizens of this country. ""Political rhetoric and the events of the past week have highlighted divisions in Congress and across the United States. It has divided our friends and our families. Even in my immediate family, there are differences of opinion on impeachment. It's in our states, communities and churches. My prayer is that we end the divisions and move forward together seeking a more perfect union.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-staff-changes,Westerman Announces Staff Changes,2021-01-08,2021,2021-01,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 communications director, Rebekah Hoshiko, and his senior legislative assistant, Will Layden, will be leaving his personal office to join the House Committee on Natural Resources. Westerman's legislative director, Jefferson Deming, will also be leaving the personal office and moving out West. Claire Nance is taking the communications director role and Janet Rossi is taking the legislative director role. Westerman issued the following statement: ""Since the first day I was sworn in to Congress, I've had a motto hanging on my office wall: abide in love, compete to win, succeed through service. I'm blessed to have incredible staff who carry out this mission each and every day. Jefferson has been my longest-serving staff member, coming to my office from the campaign trail and working his way up to eventually lead my legislative team. Will has handled all my natural resources issues – an important role for someone working for the Natural State! – and was instrumental in writing the Trillion Trees Act. Rebekah stepped in to manage my local and national media, online presence, internal office communications and all other public relations. They've served my office and the Fourth District of Arkansas exceptionally well and I know they will apply this same work ethic to their new positions. I'm also thrilled to welcome Janet and Claire to my team! They both have impressive resumes and experience in government work, and I know they'll be wonderful resources as we continue to abide in love, compete to win and succeed through service."" Background Deming was born and raised in El Dorado, Ark., and worked as a field director for the Republican Party during Westerman's first congressional campaign. He started in Westerman's office as a legislative assistant, and later became the legislative director and deputy chief of staff, handling foreign affairs and the legislative portfolio for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Rossi is coming to Westerman's office after serving as the legislative director for Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas). She was also previously the deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Rep. Rob Woodall (R-Ga.). Hoshiko came to Westerman's office in January 2019, having formerly worked as the deputy press secretary for the House Committee on Natural Resources. She will be returning to the committee to serve as the communications director. Nance will be moving to Westerman's personal office from the White House, where she was a government communications advisor. Layden was also previously with the House Committee on Natural Resources, and came to Westerman's office in 2018 to take on his natural resources and agriculture legislative issues. Layden drafted much of the Trillion Trees Act, which President Donald Trump later mentioned in the 2020 State of the Union address. He will be returning to the committee to be the deputy staff director of outreach.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-electoral-college-certification,Westerman Statement on Electoral College Certification,2021-01-07,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Early this morning, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate certified Joe Biden as president-elect. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement: ""While members of Congress were peaceably and constitutionally debating the electoral votes yesterday, rioters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol, resulting in death, destruction and a national disgrace. This is unacceptable, and I condemn these actions in the strongest terms. ""The Constitution explicitly outlines that federal elections are state legislatures' responsibility, giving Congress a final check with a provision to object to electors. I've said all along that we should let our court system work, and I supported a variety of legal challenges to investigate election fraud allegations. However, I did not object to the final count of electors. Last night's failed votes in Congress did nothing to change the outcome of the Nov. 3 election, nor could they have changed it had they passed. As much as we may not like the results of an election, resorting to mob rule is wholly un-American. We can – we must – be better than this. ""Through some of our country's darkest days, we've maintained a peaceful transition of power. This year should be no different. We cannot flirt with undoing the very foundation of our Constitution and pretend that it will all work out in the end. ""My oath was not to defend a party or a person, it was to defend the Constitution of the United States. I will never stop fighting for the Constitution and conservative ideals in Congress, and I know many of you feel as though your voice isn't being heard. It is, but changes must be done through the appropriate channels. Now, more than ever, we need to demonstrate strong leadership and work to restore trust in our election process through independent audits, oversight and more. ""This much is clear: what happened yesterday on many different levels must never happen again.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-lists-priorities-for-the-117th-congress,Rep. Crawford Lists Priorities for the 117th Congress,2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,"Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford",C001087,crawford.house.gov,crawford,https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"1/3/2021 Washington -- Today, Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01) was sworn into Congress during the constitutionally-mandated House ceremony. This marks the sixth time the First District has chosen to send Rep. Crawford to represent them in Washington. ""Today, I joined over four hundred of my fellow members of the House in taking our oath of office for the 117thCongress,"" said Crawford. ""This congress, I plan to work diligently to defend First District families and small business owners against far left policies that threaten their livelihoods while advancing legislation that will create greater economic certainty for everyone that has been and will be impacted by COVID-19. There are many challenges that we will face but I'm confident our best days are ahead for the First District and my optimism grows as we see more vaccines administered and lives saved, as a result."" #######",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z https://crawford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399403,Rep. Crawford Lists Priorities for the 117th Congress,2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,Rick Crawford,C001087,crawford.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Crawford Lists Priorities for the 117th Congress Rep. Crawford Lists Priorities for the 117th Congress 1/3/2021 Washington -- Today, Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01) was sworn into Congress during the constitutionally-mandated House ceremony. This marks the sixth time the First District has chosen to send Rep. Crawford to represent them in Washington. Today, I joined over four hundred of my fellow members of the House in taking our oath of office for the 117thCongress, said Crawford. This congress, I plan to work diligently to defend First District families and small business owners against far left policies that threaten their livelihoods while advancing legislation that will create greater economic certainty for everyone that has been and will be impacted by COVID-19. There are many challenges that we will face but I'm confident our best days are ahead for the First District and my optimism grows as we see more vaccines administered and lives saved, as a result. #######",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8188,"Hill Looks to Deliver Results for Central Arkansas, Defeat COVID-19, and Bolster Local Economy as New Congress Begins",2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hill Looks to Deliver Results for Central Arkansas, Defeat COVID-19, and Bolster Local Economy as New Congress Begins f t # e Washington, January 3, 2021 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement today after being sworn into the 117th Congress: The people of central Arkansas have entrusted me to serve in this capacity on their behalf and to uphold the dignity of our nation's Constitution. While the next two years present us with many challenges, I look forward to working with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to craft common-sense solutions. Defeating the COVID-19 pandemic, creating new opportunities for small businesses to flourish, and ensuring our nation's health and safety is a success marker for the 117th Congress. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/icymi-speaker-pelosi-it-s-time-get-back-work,"ICYMI: Speaker Pelosi, Its Time to Get Back to Work",2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,,,legacy,"2020 was a challenging year. No matter where you live or work, COVID-19 affected all of us in different ways. Some people lost their jobs, some lost their loved ones. Some continued their jobs from home, but working remotely is not an option for most Americans. We should all be grateful to those who go to work so we can have food, clothing, shelter, and the amenities of life that otherwise would not be possible. As millions of Americans including the Senate went to work, House Democrats largely stayed home and sent proxies to vote in D.C. During a time when America needed strong leadership, our year in the House was defined by glitchy Zoom hearings, proxy voting, delayed markups, and a historical failure of engagement. It's a new year and a new Congress, and it's time to get back to work. For months, our top doctors and scientists have reassured us that when a vaccine became available, things would slowly return to normal. Thanks to the historic achievements of Operation Warp Speed, millions of Americans have already received the first dose of the vaccine, and millions more have been distributed across the country. Members of Congress were some of the first to receive access to the vaccine, and now it's our responsibility to turn the lights back on at the Capitol and get on with the people's business. The House must lead by example. If we are willing to be first in line to demonstrate the vaccine's effectiveness, we should be first in line to demonstrate a return to work. I led a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Jan. 2, asking her to cease proxy voting measures once and for all. Twenty-three of my Republican colleagues joined me in this request. This doesn't mean we are careless or indifferent to people's safety; on the contrary, we are simply following the science. Could there be any greater hypocrisy in today's world if leaders urge Americans to take the vaccine, have an opportunity themselves to take the vaccine ahead of many exposed workers, and then continue to work remotely? It's impossible to effectively run a country from your basement. Now that vaccines are here, members and essential staff have access to them. Actions speak louder than words, and Democrat leadership must walk the talk. The House Rules package to be approved by majority vote at the beginning of the new Congress will speak volumes about Democrat priorities. Will they lead or cut the line for their shots and disappear? Unfortunately, the odds for leadership are looking slim. In December 2020, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) released the legislative calendar for 2021. It contains only 101 days in D.C. The very word congress implies coming together to govern, but when we're scheduled to be on the job for less than one-third of the year, the optimism for productivity quickly fades. This is what puts us in situations like we had this past Christmas, where leadership put an entire year's worth of legislation off until the eleventh hour. It's no way to run even a city council, and certainly not the most powerful country on the planet. We must put a stop to it. So again I say, Speaker Pelosi, it's time to get back to work. There's no reason to delay a return to in-person dialogue and regular order in the halls of Congress. What could you possibly be waiting for? Westerman represents the 4th District of Arkansas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-calls-ending-proxy-voting,Westerman Calls for Ending Proxy Voting,2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) led congressional Republicans in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, requesting she cease all remote voting and hearing measures in the 117th Congress. In part, the members wrote: ""We write today to request that you cease all proxy voting measures in the House of Representatives for the upcoming 117th Congress. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives and work of many – including members of Congress. We all have had to adjust our travel and practices out of precaution for the virus, but now it is time to lead by example and fully return to work to serve the American people. Now that members and essential congressional staff have access to the vaccine, the unconstitutional decision to allow members to vote by proxy should not continue in the upcoming Congress… ""We are pleased to see the continued results of Operation Warp Speed and the reality that multiple vaccines have been given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and are being distributed to millions of Americans, including members of Congress. In fact, per continuity of government purposes, the Office of the Attending Physician has urged all members and certain essential Capitol personnel to receive the vaccine. We understand that some members are electing to wait for the vaccine to be more readily available to others before receiving it themselves, but with many members receiving the vaccinations, and more than 50 others already having antibodies, Congress is well on its way to herd immunity. We must lead by example, follow the science and safely return to work in Washington."" Read the full letter here. The letter had 23 signatories: U.S. Reps. Jody Hice (R-Ga.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), David Rouzer (R-N.C.), French Hill (R-Ark.), Peter King (R-N.Y.), Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), Gary Palmer (R-Ala.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Brian Mast (R-Fla.), Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), John Rutherford (R-Fla.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Garret Graves (R-La.), Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), Trey Hollingsworth (R-Ind.) and Earl ""Buddy"" Carter (R-Ga.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404288,Womack Sworn Into 117th Congress,2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,Steve Womack,W000809,womack.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC January 3, 2021.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today released the following statement after taking the oath of office and being sworn in for his sixth term representing Arkansas's Third Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives: The oath of office is a sacred vow that forms the bedrock of principles that guide my service to Arkansas's Third Congressional District. I am honored beyond words with this enormous responsibility.We have significant challengeseradicating COVID-19, strengthening the American economy, protecting the freedoms we enjoy, and fighting attempts to move our country in a socialist directionand I am ready to join my colleagues in charting a better course for the nation we love. I am humbled by the trust and confidence of my fellow Arkansans and will give them a much-deserved voice in Washington. Congressman Womack represents Arkansans in Benton, Boone, Carroll, Crawford, Marion, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Sebastian, and Washington Counties. He has the followingoffice locationsto serve his constituents: Washington Office 2412 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-4301 Rogers Office 3333 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Suite 120 Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 464-0446 Fort Smith Office 6101 Phoenix Avenue, Suite 4 Fort Smith, AR 72903 (479) 424-1146 Harrison Office 400 North Main Street, Suite 3 Harrison, AR 72601 (870) 741-6900 womack.house.gov ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/1/adg-boozman-to-become-gop-leader-on-ag-panel,ADG: Boozman to become GOP leader on ag panel,2021-01-02,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas will be the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee this year. If his party captures either or both of the Senate seats in Tuesday's Georgia election runoffs, Boozman will wield the gavel. If Democrats win both contests and prevent President Donald Trump from overturning the electoral college vote, then U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., is expected to take the helm. The Rogers optometrist would be the second Arkansan to serve as chairman; the first, Democrat Blanche Lincoln, lost her Senate seat to Boozman in 2010. ""We'll have to wait and see what happens in Georgia, but it's a great honor to be in that position, either as the chairman or the ranking member,"" Boozman said in an interview. Full story (subcription required):https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/jan/02/boozman-to-become-gop-leader-on-ag-panel/?news-arkansas",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/1/strengthen-trust,Strengthen Trust: Covid-19 Vaccine Nothing to Fear,2021-01-02,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette published the following column written by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) on January 2, 2021: When I posted a photo of my covid-19 vaccination to my social media accounts, I had hoped to start a conversation. Judging from the reaction it received, particularly the hundreds of comments it garnered on Facebook, the picture certainly has seemed to achieve its intended results. So, let's continue that conversation. My vaccination was administered at the U.S. Capitol complex by the Office of the Attending Physician. These doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were sent to the Capitol specifically for members of Congress, Supreme Court justices and others serving in key positions as part of the continuity of government plans. This shipment is entirely separate from those going out to the states for front-line workers and they are not available to spouses or family. Doses continue to be administered to health-care personnel and front-line workers in Arkansas as planned. Arkansas received about 25,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in its first shipment, and more than 4,000 Arkansas health-care workers received a shot within the first four days of inoculations. Arkansas received its first shipment of the recently approved Moderna covid-19 vaccination last week which, along with a second shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, will greatly help speed up the process. I firmly believe that, as a vocal advocate of the vaccination program, it would be disingenuous to not step up and get inoculated early on. As public servants, our actions must match our words. It would be insincere of me to call on others to do something that I, myself, was unwilling to do. Trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, and the only way public servants can rebuild that confidence is through action. Everyone in a leadership position should be stepping forward and showing the American people that they can indeed trust the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines. Judging from the reaction under my original posts, there are still a number of Arkansans who have serious concerns about getting a covid-19 vaccination. This is entirely understandable, given that vaccines usually take a decade or more to develop. But I assure you, there were no shortcuts taken in the development or approval process. The revolutionary manner in which these vaccines were produced has the potential to be a game-changer for the future. The covid-19 pandemic mobilized researchers to counter this virus in an unprecedented way. The vaccine timeline was cut down significantly by the breakthroughs on the front end. The same thorough, rigorous benchmarks for clinical trials and proof of effectiveness had to be met by these vaccines. The scientific advancements that enabled the swift development of these vaccines ought to be celebrated, not feared. These accomplishments are a testament to American ingenuity, resolve and our propensity to meet a challenge head-on. We would not be in this position so quickly without the work of incredibly intelligent researchers, the courageous commitment of trial participants, and a historic public-private partnership to get this heavy lift off the ground. Operation Warp Speed brought all this together. It is hard to say how far along we'd be in the process without the program's multibillion-dollar investment in research and development. Similarly, moving at this rapid pace would have been impossible without the federal government's commitment to pre-purchase a future vaccine and streamline regulatory authorization. The year 2020 was an extremely difficult year, but there is hope on the horizon. I have confidence in the science behind these vaccines. Likewise, I have trust in the medical experts who have evaluated and approved them for use. These vaccines are the path that we can take to get back to normalcy. That is why I chose to get inoculated in a public manner. It is my hope that this helps reassure Arkansans, especially those who may be skeptical, to get the vaccine when it becomes available to them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/1/what-they-are-saying-covid-19-response,On the Record: COVID-19 Response,2021-01-02,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Here's a round-up of some of my public comments about the new coronavirus (COVID-19), including how my colleagues in the Senate and I are responding to this crisis. U.S. Sen. John Boozman rolled up his sleeve Saturday and did his best imitation of a pin cushion: He got stuck with a needle carrying the vaccine that will eventually give him immunity from covid-19. The state's senior senator praised the ""American ingenuity and investment"" that led to vaccines that will, soon, give us all a chance to return some normalcy -- whatever that looks like -- to our lives. ""As our state begins to distribute doses,"" the former ophthalmologist said through Twitter, ""I encourage Arkansans to follow the advice of our health care professionals, who have overwhelmingly expressed confidence in the vaccine. I firmly believe we can put our trust in it."" A U.S. senator from Arkansas announced Saturday morning that he got the vaccine to protect against COVID-19. In a post on Senator John Boozman's Facebook page, he said he decided to get it following the recommendation of the Office of the Attending Physician. He added that this puts us on the path to normalcy.We can all be proud of the American ingenuity and investment that has resulted in this lifesaving vaccine, Boozman said. He then urged Arkansans to follow the advice of health care professionals on the overwhelmingly expressed confidence they have in the vaccine.I firmly believe we can put our trust in it, he said. Boozman said he recognizes that some people have doubts about the vaccine. As a health care professional -- Boozman has been an optometrist for decades -- he said he has confidence in the medical experts who have created the vaccine and approved its use. ""I would really encourage my fellow Arkansans to get the vaccine. This is the path that we can take to get back to normalcy,"" he said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization on Dec. 11 for the Pfizer vaccine; developers say it is 95% effective. The company is scheduled to deliver 100 million U.S. doses by the end of March. The Associated Press reported Friday that the FDA had also approved another vaccine, this one developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health. Boozman said he hesitated before agreeing to be vaccinated, wondering if he should wait and get it in Arkansas when it becomes more readily available. Ultimately, he decided to get the shot now. By stepping forward, he said he hoped to convince people who are on the fence about getting vaccinated. ""[We] can be so proud, as a country, that we were on the cutting edge of doing this. It just shows American ingenuity and our scientists and our health care providers are the best in the world,"" he said. At the moment, Boozman and other senators are waiting to see how congressional leaders and the White House negotiate a possible coronavirus aid package. At least some lawmakers have coalesced around a $908 billion package that is viewed as a starting point for final negotiations. That package includes $26 billion for nutrition and agriculture. ""I hope that, you know, in the next day or two, we can come up with a good compromise that helps,"" Boozman told DTN in a phone interview. ""Certainly, our schools or businesses, particularly small businesses, making sure that our health care providers have all of the resources that they need to fight the virus that's going on as we speak. But also to make sure that, as far as vaccination delivery, all of those kind of things are adequately funded. And I feel sure that they will be, but it's something that we need to come to an agreement."" As Boozman met with hospital officials, the Arkansas Department of Health reported Craighead County had 130 confirmed new cases of COVID-19, 18 more probable cases and one death; Greene County had 52 confirmed and 18 probable new cases and Lawrence County had 17 confirmed and eight probable new cases. Active cases totaled 854 in Craighead, 527 in Greene and 110 in Lawrence County. Boozman also said that as far as the federal government and legislature is concerned, the best thing that can be done to help the state and the country is to continue to provide funding to hospitals to help them fight COVID-19. And we are getting advice on what to work on in the future, he said. But right now, it's money. Boozman acknowledged the existence of two proposed stimulus packages in the Congress, one which would provide $908 billion in aid, and a smaller one of $500 billion. I like the $500 billion version he said, because it's more targeted. As reported by the Seattle Times on Dec. 3, the $908 billion package has bipartisan support. Boozman said he expected a final package would likely be somewhere between the two figures. And this is not a stimulus package, he said. It's a survival package. As for what he would do differently from what Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has done in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Boozman had nothing but praise for the governor. The governor has done a tremendous job in a difficult situation, he said. He's been dealing with issues no one else has had to deal with. The White House Coronavirus Task Force reports that Arkansas remains in the red zone for new coronavirus cases and 88 percent of the state's counties have moderate or high community transmission of the virus. The Task Force ranked Arkansas 24th in the country for new cases per capita. The state's test positivity ranked 30th, according to the panel, which again recommended restaurants in the state limit indoor dining capacity to less than 25 percent, a proposal Hutchinson has rejected as virus cases and COVID-19 hospitalizations have reached record levels. Boozman noted the federal government has provided the state $1.25 billion to help fight the pandemic. The challenge now is the vaccine, he said. Senator John Boozman visited a few places in Region 8 to get input from people on the front lines to ultimately designate where money will be spent in the future. Friday morning, Senator Boozman visited with administrators at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould and other officials.The meeting lasted a little over an hour, and they wasted no time bringing up the hospital's concerns. AMMC said their insurance reimbursement is low.For example, a nine-day patient stay for a right ankle fracture costs $32,144. They were reimbursed $8.34.Hospital officials said this is a threat to rural or small hospitals. Whatever problems the hospital has is intervening on their behalf. The one thing I can do is have people take those phone calls, discuss it, and the good news is the hospital's in the right, Boozman said when asked about his plans for the issue. The hospital's officials also shed light on psychological stress among all employees and how no one was paying attention to it.President Barry Davis commended all of their hard work and said they have not hired travel nurses to take the workload but offered their staff incentives. He also mentioned worrying about the upcoming surge of COVID-19 cases projected to come in March 2021.Davis admitted he's disappointed at a national level at no unified response to the virus, saying discussions became political. The meeting also included a discussion regarding a COVID-19 vaccine. Senator Boozman supports the vaccine and hopes to see it available soon. The way to get back to normalcy, which we definitely all want to do, is to take the vaccine. We can be so proud as a nation, he said. When I talk to the people at NIH, the people who have worked so hard on this, no one thought it was humanly possible to develop a vaccine in the amount of time that we have. He added that he's very comfortable with the vaccine and said he's grown up with vaccines with various diseases. Senator Boozman said he is leaning towards the new economic bill worth $500 billion. He said it reprograms helping hospitals, schools, and small businesses. Thursday was a busy day for U.S. Sen. John Boozman, who traveled across the region to visit with schools and discuss what they need to succeed. Fort Smith was the third and final stop for Boozman on Thursday. The senator spoke about his Fort Smith roots, having grown up in the area and gone to Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS).Greenwood Superintendent John Ciesla joined the conference by phone while FSPS Superintendent Doug Brubaker was present with other members of FSPS administration. Boozman started the conversation by asking the status of virtual school and what percentage of students were enrolled in that option as well as asking if there were students returning to in-class instruction... ...Boozman stated that he knows there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for schools in Arkansas, but he also noted that nutrition was a unifying theme in several districts. His hope for traveling across the state is to see what individual districts of all sizes need in order to do well. Senator John Boozman met with school leaders to make sure kids are getting all the food that they need during the pandemic. He visited with school officials in Pike, Montgomery and Sebastian counties today.At the meetings, they discussed federal school nutrition programs. The USDA has recently relaxed some rules that help make sure children continue to get school meals throughout the rest of the year even if they are learning virtually. I want to know how those are working and also if there's other things we need to provide additional flexibility regarding meals or really any other things as we go forward with additional legislation, Boozman said. Boozman said they also discussed other needs like PPE and access to vaccines. Sen. John Boozman, who is set to take over as the top Republican on the Senate Ag Committee, next year is optimistic that Congress will provide more aid to farmers for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The question is when a new aid package will pass, and that looks unlikely before the election. I don't think we're going to have a lot of partisanship in getting additional ag funding, Boozman, R-Ark., said. Both Democrats and Republicans support providing about $20 billion in additional aid to the ag sector. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., who is in line to become the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee next year, told Agri-Pulse on Tuesday he expects bipartisan support for the ag provisions, although the House and Senate have taken different approaches. I don't think anything is going to be done between now and the election. On the other hand, myself, Sen. (Pat) Roberts, Sen. (John) Hoeven and several others have been working really hard to make sure that ag is part of the next package that we do after we come back, Boozman said. Roberts, R-Kan., chairs the Senate Ag Committee now, and Hoeven, R-N.D., chairs the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. Boozman said that the Agriculture Department has sufficient funding currently to address farmers' immediate needs, including making payments under the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. U.S Senator John Boozman met with the fire chiefs in Northwest Arkansas today to learn how they are serving their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The senator got the hear what kind of challenges they face and how fire stations are adapting to health guidelines. These things like having a great fire department which we are so blessed with in Arkansas, it's like turning on the lights we just take it for granted, Boozman said. Boozman went on to thank the fire teams for continuing to keep our communities safe. The Trump administrations carries out a major piece of its regulatory reform agenda this week, while some lawmakers hold out hope for breaking an impasse over a coronavirus relief package... ...Perdue has been under pressure from members of Congress to expand the list of commodities that are eligible for the program. Arkansas Sen. John Boozman, who is in line to become the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee next year, told Agri-Pulse he still hoped a new coronavirus aid package can get enacted before the election, but he noted that Perdue has plenty of money available to make the CFAP-2 payments. Senate Republicans on Thursday failed to advance their substantially scaled-back stimulus plan amid opposition from Democrats who called the measure inadequate, further darkening the already dim prospects that Congress will enact another economic recovery measure to address the toll of the coronavirus pandemic before November's election... ...In a written statement, U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark., called the vote a ""disappointing development."" ""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,"" he said. ""I'm certain the frustration I feel about this lack of cooperation is shared by Arkansans and others across the country,"" he said. When U.S. Sen. John Boozman stood in front of officials and frontline workers employed at White River Health System, his message was not only of praise for the efforts that have been put forth, but also gave a glimpse of what is to come. He also answered a few tough questions during his visit, which was held on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Boozman said there is no timetable on a vaccine to combat COVID-19. This disease is unique, and so acquiring a vaccine, we want to make sure that it works, that it's safe, and so it's really difficult to do, Boozman said. So the timeline we are on right now is very, very advanced. Hopefully, we'll have something at the first of the year. Boozman shot down any ideas that the virus was politically motivated. I think when you look at the timeline we are on, no one thought it was humanly possible to be as far along as we are, Boozman said. On the other hand, it's like when you're building a home. When you frame it, it goes really fast. When you get to the finish work, we are doing the finish work now. I don't think it's politicized. Boozman added that people should be proud of the world that the National Institute of Health is doing. Everyone is working hard, Boozman said. The good news is that the mortality rate has come way down because of the treatments that are out there now. Our providers are doing such a good job of using their experience that they have gained to keep people healthy. Sen. John Boozman told Unity Health officials Wednesday there is still a lot of money in the pipeline to make sure health care workers have the resources going forward to do a great job protecting themselves and to provide the best patient care imaginable. Boozman, Arkansas' senior U.S. senator, spent the early morning at Unity Health's south campus on Main Street thanking health care workers on the front line for all they have been doing in the age of COVID-19. In the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security] Act, a lot of money was provided, Boozman said. ... When you talk about those kind of sums, it's actually difficult to push it through the channel, so we push it out of the federal government into the state sometimes directly but it just takes a while to get through that pipeline, so there's still dollars in the pipeline. We are in the process now of discussing what we're going to do in the future. I think what you will see coming up is a number of smaller bills, very targeted bills. Supporting community health and hospitals and education are things both Democrats and Republicans agree on, explained Boozman, who is a Republican. You have to remember we have probably spent close to 3 trillion dollars at this point, he said. In the senate that was unanimous. That was the Democrats and the Republicans working together, coming up, trying to come up with solutions to a very difficult problem. U.S. Senator John Boozman is spending the next few days visiting different parts of Arkansas to talk with and thank frontline health care workers for the work they're doing to care for and help Arkansans during COVID-19. The past two days have been in southwest Arkansas, including Hope. We're certainly grateful for them all the time, but especially amid a public health crisis. I also appreciate the opportunity to hear feedback and concerns directly from these health care heroes as we work to address their needs in future relief legislation in the Senate, Boozman said. Tuesday, the senator made stops in Texarkana with representatives from CHRISTUS St. Michael, UAMS Southwest Regional Campus Texarkana, andWadley Regional Medical Center; in Hope at Pafford Medical Services; in Nashville atHoward Memorial Hospital; and Malvern atBaptist Health Medical Center. Monday night, he had dinner with personnel from Little River Memorial Hospital in Ashdown to wrap up Day 1. It's a real privilege to be able to thank these men and women for the job they're doing and also hear from them about ways I, my staff and the federal government can support them as they wage this incredibly important fight against COVID-19. I'm happy to be getting to offer my thanks and appreciation in person as well as listen to their experiences and learn about what more we can do to help them do their jobs more effectively, the Senator added. Senator Boozman and his staff Tuesday stopped by for a visit at the Pafford Corporate Office in Hope. In a statement, Pafford said, We appreciate the Senator for taking time to visit with our crews, listen to concerns regarding the VA, and taking notes on other issues ambulance providers face on a daily basis as we are the healthcare safety net in so many of our communities during this global pandemic.Thank you to Rep. Danny Watson for joining us today as well and continuing to be a voice for our region. Arkansas Senator John Boozman visited UAMS Family Medical Center- Texarkana on Wednesday morning. Senator Boozman thanked frontline workers and spoke with hospital officials to make sure the medical centers have all the resources they need. UAMS Health Family Medicine Physician Russell E. Mayo, M.D. says it's important for the senator to understand what obstacles they face in this pandemic. One of those obstacles is testing supplies due to the spike in cases across the country. The senator said a new testing option is on the way to help ease the shortage. In the not too distant future, we will actually have testing that you can do in five to 15 minutes, salvia test, $1 to $5 that you can buy in the local store, said Boozman. There should be a better situation in a couple of months. According to Boozman, the concerns are the same statewide for medical centers of all sizes. He says hospitals are in reasonable shape with personal protection equipment and funding. He is currently seeking additional funding to make sure it stays that way. Senator Boozman's done a good job at representing Arkansas through the pandemic, said Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor Allen Brown. United States Sen. John Boozman anticipates further hospital assistance from government officials is on the way. Boozman, during a meeting Tuesday morning with healthcare workers at Mercy Hospital-Booneville, said he anticipates legislation at state and federal levels is coming soon to hospitals in Arkansas. He said he expects the legislation will provide assistance to hospitals while enabling them to continue measures that have worked during the pandemic. Logan County on Tuesday afternoon had 105 active COVID-19 cases. This total follows an outbreak at the Booneville Human Development Center, which at one point reported 66 active cases between staff and clients. Dr. Syed Hamed reported at least six people required hospitalization from that outbreak. Mercy officials at the meeting said rural hospitals like Mercy-Booneville allow for patients in their communities that contract COVID-19 to receive treatment without being moved to larger communities like Fort Smith. Boozman said lawmakers are looking at the future functions of hospitals and healthcare professionals in light of needs that have been uncovered during the pandemic. He said he wants rural communities to keep healthcare so they can provide services to people in proximity. Mercy officials told Boozman they would like to see aspects of healthcare during COVID-19 such as telemedicine and the waiving of medicare replacement policies to stay the same. The way you can help us is, as you're doing now, keep giving us a list as to what you've found helpful, because we really have been able to move quickly from the government compared to how we have in the past with these emergency declarations, which really makes your life easier, Boozman said. Boozman said the federal government is spending a tremendous amount of money on COVID-19 testing. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of theSenate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, urged U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to continue providing flexibilities to schools and sponsoring organizations for school meals and child nutrition. Boozman and his colleagues sent the letter to Secretary Perdue to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious meals through USDA's child nutrition programsthis school year. As the school year begins, the challenges brought on by the COVID emergency persist. We encourage continued use of the child nutrition program waiver authority ably used thus far to assist school food authorities and non-school sponsoring organizations who work collaboratively to provide children meals while schools explore various and blended models of in-person and virtual classroom sessions,the Senators wrote in the letter.During this COVID emergency, we ask USDA to utilize program flexibilities, grants or reimbursements that assist school food authorities with procuring, preparing, and serving meals in a manner consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 school re-opening guidelines and that support non-school sponsors providing meals to children on remote-learning days or when in-classroom learning is unavailable. Leadership shared a glimpse of the Rogers School District's fall opening plan with U.S. Sen. John Boozman during his visit Friday to Northside Elementary. The school was chosen to give Boozman, R-Ark., an opportunity to see the building's major renovation, said Ashley Kelley Siwiec, district communications director.The renovation cost about $6.7 million, said Charles Lee, assistant superintendent for general administration. Superintendent Marlin Berry said the project was comprehensive and included new flooring, ceilings, cabinetry and a heating and cooling system.Boozman's toured the cafeteria, halls and a classroom to see how the spaces will be configured to help prevent the spread of covid-19... ...""The bottom line is we just have to think outside the box,"" Boozman said, adding it's clear the district is doing so. ""You've thought of everything."" Boozman said the school year will have to be addressed on a day-to-day basis.""I feel very strongly that we can make something work,"" he said. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton and Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack, and Bruce Westerman announcedthat theU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)provided Arkansas Public Housing Agencies $3,458,460 in funding to support the prevention, preparation, and response to the coronavirus pandemic in public housing. As Arkansas continues to combat the impacts of COVID-19, it is important to put resources in the hands of our communities. These investments will provide locally-driven assistance to help protect and assist families and individuals in need throughout the Natural State,members said. Arkansas delegation is urgingthe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to amend eligibility thresholds when determining the high-impact payments through the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) led aletteralongside U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton and Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, and Bruce Westerman to HHS hoping to ensure hospitals who saw late surges in hospitalizations can qualify to receive assistance. We strongly urge you to take into account states that saw surges in patients in late June and July when determining distribution of payments for high-impact areas,the members wrote. Congress and the Administration acted swiftly to allocate resources as quickly as possible, and as this pandemic continues to change and impact different parts of this country, it is imperative that our policies remain flexible and the vast resources provided continue to make the most impact. Today Senator Boozman took a trip to the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks (VHSO) Friday (Aug. 7). Boozman says he wanted to make sure VHSO staff knows they are appreciated, and he wanted to ensure they have the materials and resources needed to keep themselves safe and to treat our veterans. Senator Boozman says it is important to listen to those on the front-lines and to learn from them during this pandemic. We need to be talking to the people on the ground who are actually doing it. The solution to our problem needs to come from the ground up, Boozman said. Kelvin Parks with the Veterans Affairs says they have always had the senator's support but today was extra-special to all who were involved. It was a really uplifting day for all of our staff. For him to come by and say something encouraging and to motivate and inspire us, made for a very exciting day, Parks said. After the senator individually thanked frontline workers, he took a tour around the hospital to see those efforts first-hand. Some of Fayetteville's frontline fighters get a special visit from Sen. John Boozman. The Senator stopped by the Veterans Healthcare Center of the Ozarks to recognize its healthcare workers for their work during the coronavirus pandemic. He said it's important to thank them and ensure they are getting the assistance they need to take care of Arkansas' Veterans. We can be so very proud of the network that we have in Arkansas. Nobody's working any harder, Boozman said. Boozman has been a constant advocate for Veterans and their health care. Last month, he introduced legislation that would cut down on VA Backlog for those applying for disability. U.S. Senator John Boozman was in Rogers to discuss the upcoming school year. Boozman met with the Superintendent and board members for Rogers Public Schools to see how schools are preparing to safely reopen for teachers and students. He says he was impressed with what he saw today. I'm very much encouraged by the, seeing the various ways that we're going to keep our children safe, keep our teachers safe, and really importantly if it's humanly possible to keep our children in school, he said. Boozman said he thinks lawmakers will send additional funding to schools in the future as needed during the pandemic. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $8.2 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to capitalize and administer Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) that will provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic across Arkansas... ...Our small businesses have shown remarkable resilience during this challenging time,said Senator John Boozman (R-AR). In navigating this crisis, it's important to ensure they have the ability to revitalize operations, restore or create jobs and continue vital activity that underpins regional economies. I applaud the EDA and the Trump administration for providing Arkansas small businesses and entrepreneurs with needed capital to spur economic recovery and growth. Arkansas Sen. John Boozman, who is in line to become the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee next year, said Perdue needs the flexibility the GOP proposal would provide him because the needs in agriculture could change in coming months. But Boozman said the highest priority is getting the additional $20 billion to USDA. Right now we're working to get everybody on board in the dollars that we've got, he said. Boozman said one issue is how long a benefit increase would last he suggested a year might be long enough. Another issue is whether Democrats would insist on blocking SNAP work requirements from ever being tightened. Still, he said that many Republicans are open to increasing nutrition assistance. We don't want people going hungry, he said. Boozman, in line to be Senate Ag's top Republican in the next Congress, says he will hold USDA accountable for how it spends future COVID-19 payments to producers. Certainly, we're going to hold their feet to the fire and make sure that these dollars are going to be spent in the way that was broadly outlined with the language we finally come up with, Boozman toldAgri-Pulse. Boozman did commend USDA for being able to roll out programs in a matter of weeks compared, noting some farm bill programs can take years to implement. A key senator involved in developing the Republican coronavirus relief package for farmers defended the broad authority it gives to USDA to spend $20 billion in farm aid, but he said the Trump administration likely will need to provide assurances about how the money will be spent. U.S. Senator John Boozman backs a proposal to fund child care centers across the state. Some child care centers, like Kiddie Campus in Fayetteville, never closed when the pandemic hit. So, owner Robin Slaton tells KNWA/Fox 24 any sort of financial help right now would make a huge difference. Slaton said by not closing, the business took huge financial hits that it's still trying to recover from. The Back to Work Child Care Grants Act of 2020would provide nine months of financial assistance to providers like her, and childcare centers that need help reopening. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced today the Department's Economic Development Administration is awarding $3.2 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to eight EDA Economic Development District organizations across Arkansas to update the economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.... ...The economic harm COVID-19 has brought to communities across Arkansas has been readily apparent,said Senator John Boozman. Investing in development organizations and strategies to help our communities recover and prepare for future growth opportunities makes perfect sense, and I applaud the administration for announcing these grants and prioritizing economic resiliency, Boozman said. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is continuing his work to support economic recovery by ensuring Arkansas families have access to child care services. Boozman joined U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and other colleagues to introduce theBack to Work Child Care Grants Act of 2020,legislation to assistchild care providers in continuing to offer critical, affordable services for working families during the COVID-19 emergency. We need to take steps to ensure caregivers can continue to provide this vital service Arkansas parents rely on. As parents seek to return to work, they need an available and safe environment to bring their children. This legislation is critical to meeting the needs of hardworking families and helping providers continue operations, Boozman said. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) continued his efforts to make the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) more flexible by joining a bipartisan effort to streamline forgiveness of the program's smaller loans. Boozman cosponsored the Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act, introduced by Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ). The bill would make it easier for small businesses to get PPP loans of $150,000 or less forgiven through a simple, one-page form. The PPP has been a critical lifeline for small businesses and has helped millions of Americans continue to receive their paychecks during the COVID-19 crisis. However, the bureaucratic hurdles small business owners need to clear to prove their eligibility for loan forgiveness are overly burdensome for the 85 percent of recipients who received loans of $150,000 or less. Simplifying the loan forgiveness process for the smallest borrowers will minimize the burden of extensive paperwork and allow small businesses to focus on retaining jobs and growing our economy, said Boozman. As super markets around the state emptied duringthe COVID-19 pandemic, farmers continued to provide for the community... ...Although U.S. Senator John Boozman believes this won't be enough. He is in the process ofgetting another aid package to help these farmers. They create the safest, cheapest food supply of any country in the world, we can be really proudof that, Senator Boozman said. But it has been a difficult time for them. As of now it's unclear when more federal money will come and that could hurt the state. It's 25% of Arkansas' economy, and because of that it's really important to our state and it'sreally important to rural Americans which many times gets left out, Senator Boozman said. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanapplauded the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for awarding $42.7 million to the Arkansas Department of Transportation in support of the state's public transit systems. The granttotaling $42,742,893comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which became law in March with the support of the Arkansas delegation. The funding will be used by ARDOT for state and project administration, including leave for employees due to the reductions in service or the need to quarantine; operating expenses to maintain transit services; and the purchase of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. The CARES Act is continuing to deliver help to Arkansas. The transportation industry is facing economic challenges as a result of the coronavirus. These funds will help support the changing needs of transit agencies and ensure Arkansans can continue to use the vital services they provide, members said. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) continues his efforts to strengthen access to telehealth services, which have become even more necessary in light of the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Boozman called on the agencies to provide a plan on permanent changes to Medicare telehealth rules. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided HHS with the authority to waive telehealth requirements for the length of the COVID-19 public health crisis, making it possible for patients to continue receiving medical care without exposing themselves or providers to the coronavirus. Additionally, telehealth has provided a source of financial stability as providers had to delay non-emergency procedures. However, patients have expressed concern that Medicare's temporary changes to telehealth rules will be rolled back without advance notice. We appreciate your recognition that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients and providers see the value of telehealth. We believe telehealth is an important tool that enhances patient care and can provide efficiency in health care delivery, the senators wrote in the letter. While telehealth may not be able to replace all in-person care, we believe it should continue to be an option to meet individual care needs. U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Rogers, on the other hand, wears his mask religiously. ""I try to model that. I'm not perfect, but I do a pretty good job of it,"" he said. ""The science clearly tells us that if we [wear masks], it helps stop the spread. It not only protects us, but it protects those around us, which is so, so very important."" Mask orders, if they come, should be issued by governors, not federal officials, he said. Ideally, people would comply voluntarily, he said. ""Everyone wants to go back to normal, and the fastest path there is for people to cooperate,"" he said. ""I'm really not in favor of mandating things that are difficult to enforce."" Trump has appeared more open to the idea of wearing a mask in recent days, Boozman said, portraying the shift as positive. ""People need to set a good example,"" he said. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Flexible Financing for Rural America Act, legislation that would allow electric cooperatives and small, rural telecommunications providers to refinance their Rural Utilities Service (RUS) debt at lower interest rates. By taking advantage of current lower interest rates, rural cooperatives and businesses would gain flexibility in managing their cash flow, allowing them to invest in rural communities and pass savings on to customers. At the same time, the bill would enable a stronger recovery from the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural cooperatives and businesses have struggled throughout the pandemic as a result of a decline in electricity consumption from industrial sources and an increase in unpaid bills from customers who have faced financial hardship. Connectivity has long been a struggle for Americans who live in rural areas. COVID-19 has only made that challenge even more difficult to overcome. This bill gives rural electricity and broadband providers flexibility to meet customers' needs in these challenging economic times and ensures that rural America will have these vital services to recover and grow when the pandemic is behind us, Boozman said. U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., has signed a letter urging Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to allow additional flexibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The lawmaker from Rogers joined with his colleagues on the Agriculture Committee in sending the request. We appreciate the Department's actions to utilize administrative authorities as well as to implement temporary, emergency authorities provided by Congress in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to waive certain regulations in order to more effectively feed children during school closures and support social distancing, the letter stated. Extending these existing state-based waivers through September 30, 2020, would provide certainty and availability to WIC participants, providers and vendors navigating variable phased re-opening procedures across public, private, and health sectors, the lawmakers wrote. Boozman serves as co-chairman of the Senate Hunger Caucus. With Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., preparing to retire, Boozman will be in line to replace him if Republicans retain control. Following the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee's hearing to examine challenges facing the recycling industry, Senate Recycling Caucus Co-chairs John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Carper (D-DE), senior Democrat on the committee, introduced bipartisan legislation that would expand the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to cover waste and recycling collection services. This legislation would designate waste and recycling collection services allowable expenses under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), making them eligible for loan forgiveness under the CARES Act. I appreciate Senator Carper's leadership to ensure waste and recycling collection services are eligible for PPP loans. Their employees have been on the frontlines to help keep our neighborhoods clean and minimize the spread of infectious diseases. These small businesses are vital industries and allowing them to qualify for participation in the PPP is important to maintaining this public service, Boozman said. Senators on Wednesday highlighted holes in recycling infrastructure exposed by the coronavirus pandemic, questioning how Congress can stop a plastic pollution crisis from emerging alongside a public health crisis. Many municipalities paused recycling pickup programs as part of stay-at-home orders during the pandemic, causing recyclables to either end up in landfills or pile up outside... ...After the hearing, Carper and Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) announced they had introduced legislation that would allow for waste and recycling collection services to be allowable expenses under the Paycheck Protection Program and eligible for loan forgiveness under the CARES Act. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) signed a letter to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza urging the administration to ease paperwork requirements for small businesses seeking loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The letter, signed by 44 senators, specifically requests the loan forgiveness application for loans under $250,000 be no longer than one page in length. While the Small Business Administrator was also given the ability to require additional documentation necessary to verify proper use of PPP funds, we believe it is beyond the program's intent to require the information solicited in the 11-page forgiveness application that the SBA recently released, senators wrote in the letter. The interview program hosted by Timeless 106.1 KFFB's General Manager Bob Connell featured US Senator John Boozman talking aboutCOVID-19 testing, VA's preparedness and more Defunding the Police, Update on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing to examine the VA's preparedness for the Pandemic, The Great American Outdoors bipartisan bill, legislation to improve mental health services in rural communities, more COVID-19 testing in Arkansas and more. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanapplauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding nearly $170 million to Arkansas Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers diagnosing, testing or caring for individuals with possible or confirmed cases of COVID-19. HHS distributed a total of $169,908,060 to eligible Medicaid and CHIP providers on the front lines of Arkansas's coronavirus response. The award was made available through the Provider Relief Fund created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Congress passedwith the Arkansas delegation's supportto address the coronavirus crisis. The providers receiving funding through this award treat the most vulnerable in Arkansas. These vital resources will ensure our medical community can continue to provide high-quality treatment and services to every Arkansan as the state enters phase two of reopening, members said. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce legislation to expand telemental health services in rural areas. The Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act of 2020 would establish a grant program for health providers to expand telemental health services for those specifically in rural populations working in farming, forestry and fishing industries. Telehealth provides an opportunity for Arkansans to get help while protecting themselves and medical professionals from potential exposure to COVID-19. Providing resources to support the mental health needs of rural populations is necessary as we continue to address the ongoing pandemic and the challenges facing rural America, Boozman said. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, questioned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials on the department's COVID-19 preparedness and urged implementation of measures to enhance efficiency of its supply chain. The demand of supplies continues to be a huge problem, Boozman said of personal protective equipment (PPE). It does make me think of the importance of having a stockpile like we used to have. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined a bipartisan group of senators in requesting the Trump administration act swiftly to distribute emergency funding allocated in federal COVID-19 packages to hospitals that overwhelmingly serve Medicaid and low-income patients. Without adequate federal funding, these hospitals will be unable to effectively treat Arkansas's most vulnerable communities. To date, the distribution methodology used by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not sufficiently addressed the needs of hospitals and health providers who disproportionately serve Medicaid and low-income patients, the lawmakers wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma. U.S. Senator John Boozman joins Bob Connell to discuss the protests, Senate passage of legislation to add flexibility to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and make it more accessible for Arkansas small businesses in need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the VA's Fiscal Year 2021 budget and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee infrastructure and its importance in helping economic recovery. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanapplauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding $2.5 million to Arkansas to expand its testing capacity for COVID-19. In this latest round of funding, HHS distributed a total of $2,553,240 to hospitals and other health care entities in the state to train workforces, procure supplies and equipment, and expand telemedicine in response to COVID-19. It comes from legislation Congress passed, with the Arkansas delegation's support, to address the coronavirus crisis. The risk for additional coronavirus outbreaks in Arkansas continues to be a high concern. These funds will help increase provider preparedness, safeguard those on the front line and ensure our medical community can continue to provide high-quality care during this public health emergency, members said. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) supported adding flexibility to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to make it more accessible for Arkansas small businesses in need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate-passed Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act updates the PPP, a program that provides low-interest loans to small businesses to use for payroll, mortgage interest, rent and utilities, with a portion of the loan eligible for forgiveness. The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers the PPP. According to the SBA, it has approved more 40,591 loans worth more than $3.2 billion to Arkansas small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program has been critical to helping Arkansas small businesses weather this pandemic. This legislation builds on its success and strengthens the PPP, so we can support the changing needs of small businesses as they continue to face challenges through the phases of reopening. Providing flexibility is a commonsense step to ensuring small businesses can utilize these loans to stay afloat and keep their workers employed, Boozman said. Few events in history have been as challenging as the COVID-19 pandemic. Agriculture makes up one-fourthof Arkansas' GDP and has hit the state's rural economy especially hard.As a member of both the Agriculture and Appropriations Committees in the Senate, Boozman approves of additional funds to support the industry but is keeping an eye on the additional financial burden.He supports the Agriculture Department and Secretary Sonny Perdue's guidelines for dispersing CFAP funds, is in favor of increased annual limits for the Commodity Credit Corporation, and believes the silver lining of the pandemic may be heightened efforts to improve rural broadband service. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce the Health Care Broadband Expansion During COVID-19 Act that would bolster funding for health care providers in rural areas for the expansion of broadband and telehealth services. Telehealth provides a critical avenue for Arkansans to access medical providers without an unnecessary trip to the doctor's office. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for this connection to health services. This legislation will ensure more health care facilities are equipped with reliable, high-speed internet to better serve their patients, Boozman said. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanapplauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding over $72 million in additional relief funds to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in Arkansas to help them combat the devastating effects of COVID-19. The investmenttotaling $72,410,000will be distributed directly to SNFs in Arkansas. It is part of the nearly $4.9 billion allocated by HHS to impacted SNFs across the country and may be used to address critical needs such as labor, testing capacity, personal protective equipment and a range of other expenses directly linked to COVID-19. These are particularly trying times for residents in nursing homes, their loved ones and those who work in these facilities. As concerns regarding additional outbreaks remain high, this investment will help protect the most vulnerable among us and help keep those who care for them safe, members said. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanapplauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding Arkansas over $5 million in funding to expand access to COVID-19 testing in rural communities. Rural America must not be left behind as we work to expand coronavirus testing across the nation. These communities are vital to a successful economic restart, especially in a largely rural state such as Arkansas. These funds will help state officials carry out their plan to reopen Arkansas in a safe manner, members said. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday the state of Arkansas would receive $78 million to expand its capacity for COVID-19. The funding, according to a news release from U.S. Senator John Boozman's office, is part of $11 billion from HHS to support nationwide testing for COVID-19 and the reopening of America. Expanding our testing capability is necessary to combating the spread of COVID-19 and safely getting Arkansans back to work. These funds will be used to respond to this public health emergency and ensure individuals who have been in contact with infected patients are aware of their risk. The interview program hosted by Timeless 106.1 KFFB's General Manager Bob Connell featured U.S. Senator John Boozman talking aboutNational Police Week, the senator's visit to the White House about flexibility in the use of CARES Act funding designated for states and hisservice on the Congressional Task Force for Reopening America. In this Congressional interview, KASU News Director Johnathan Reaves talks with U.S. Senator John Boozman about the federal disaster delcaration approved after the Jonesboro tornado and the latest with COVID-19 response. U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., is backing legislation that would make more newspapers and broadcasters eligible for covid-19 economic assistance, he said Wednesday.The lawmaker from Rogers signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Local News and Emergency Information Act of 2020, authored by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. The goal of the legislation is to save jobs as well as local news outlets, Boozman said. ""This is a program that is not a solution to the problems we're having but it is somewhat of a lifeline to many industries,"" Boozman said of the Paycheck Protection Program. Senators from both parties are backing the bill. ""Hopefully we can get this done,"" Boozman said. ""I think there probably will be another round of help, and so we will be working hard to include this in a bigger bill."" Senators are certain a $3 trillion coronavirus bill poised to pass the House on Friday will die, as Republicans identify poison pills and some Democrats admit it's an opening shot for negotiations. The thing I don't like is the $3 trillion price tag, said Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.).Hopefully there are some things where we can find some common ground. This is a time where Republicans and Democrats need to be working together to solve some very real problems the nation is facing. U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) is among a group of lawmakers urging Congressional leaders to include $2 billion in the next coronavirus relief package to help health care providers expand telehealth services by improving their access to broadband. Telehealth allows health care providers to treat patients safely without putting themselves or their patients at risk of contracting COVID-19 and has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, many providers especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities lack the resources to handle this increase in demand for telehealth services. The Covid-19 Crisis has greatly accelerated the usage and demand for virtual health care visits, Dr. David Hunton, Mercy Fort Smith Clinic president, wrote the Times Record in response to Boozman's announcement. At one point recently, our providers were seeing almost half of their patients virtually. The demand for this type of visit as well as for nontraditional access times and for online scheduling will not dissipate and I believe will continue to increase. The crisis has served as a catalyst for change, and much of this will be to the benefit of patient as well as to our providers. The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment will receive $8,206,119 from HHS's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman announced in a release. These funds were appropriated by Congress under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided $900 million in supplemental LIHEAP funding to help prevent, prepare for, or respond to home energy needs surrounding the national emergency created by the coronavirus, according to the statement. The CARES Act takes a comprehensive approach to help Arkansans struggling from the economic toll of this crisis. This funding willhelp keep families safe and healthy by assisting with energy costs during their time of need, members said. The interview program hosted by Timeless 106.1 KFFB's General Manager Bob Connell featured U.S. Senator John Boozman talking about critical funding for hospitals and colleges in Arkansas, what it's like in D.C. right now and what is on the radar for the Senate. Earlier this week, a national group called the Small Business Majority released criticism on the equity of the Paycheck Protection Program's (PPP) response to the coronavirus economic impact. The Arkansas Delegation offered its response Thursday evening, saying although the PPP had shortcomings it has provided more than 36,000 PPP loans totaling over $3.3 billion. The program is also known as the Payroll Protection Program and now commonly known as PPP. Despite some shortcomings, PPP has helped small businesses in Arkansas more than 36,000 PPP loans totaling over $3.3 billion have been administered, the Arkansas Delegation told the Times Record in a group response. Congress specifically carved out $60 billion for small lenders and that does not preclude them from using the regular pot of funding as well. Small lenders have approved nearly 950,000 loans totaling around $58.2 billion. Congress will conduct aggressive oversight to ensure loans are repaid if criteria aren't met. If small businesses need help with PPP or the other emergency funding programs i.e. EIDL, small business debt relief, they should contact our offices. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanapplauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding federal funds to Arkansas health centers for expanded coronavirus testing. These health centers play a critical role in keeping Arkansans healthy. Providing additional resources to expand testing is key to identifying patients infected with this disease and preventing its spread in the community. These funds will help achieve the governor's goal of conducting 60,000 coronavirus tests in the state during May, members said. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack, and Bruce Westerman made the announcement on May 7. Providing resources to safeguard law enforcement and public safety officers is critical to the health and the wellbeing of Arkansas. This funding will allow law enforcement agencies across the state to better protect frontline workers while continuing to provide valuable services to families in our communities, members said. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman applauded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for awarding $8,190,367 in Community Development Block Grant funding to Arkansas to support the prevention, preparation and response to the coronavirus pandemic. This funding provides additional relief to the state and local governments as they respond to the increasing needs of communities during this pandemic. These resources will help better serve Arkansans in need, members said. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues calling on the administration to raise the Paycheck Protection Program's (PPP) non-payroll forgiveness cap from 25 percent to 50 percent. PPP loans can be used toward payroll, utilities, mortgage interest and rent payments, and can be forgiven when at least 75 percent of the loan is spent on payroll. In a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza, the senators request that threshold be reduced to 50 percent. The 25 percent threshold is problematic for several business sectors, especially those whose mortgage, rent, or utility payments constitute a large portion of fixed monthly expenses. If they are unable to cover these expenses, they will have to decide between keeping their doors open, at personal financial risk, or closing shop and laying off employees,the senators wrote.These are businesses that will not recover. Such an outcome would result in mass layoffs that would shift more Americans onto unemployment, presenting significant long-term costs to families, businesses, and states. Arkansas' Congressional Delegation announced that $14.573 million in an additional round of coronavirus relief funding for Arkansas's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and institutions serving low-income students to help ensure learning continues during the coronavirus crisis. The Department of Education quickly awarded CARES Act funding to higher education institutions across the state to aid students impacted during this crisis. This additional funding recognizes the unique challenges facing HBCUs and institutions serving low-income students. These institutions play a vital role in transforming lives and make Arkansas's communities stronger, the delegation said. The interview program hosted by Timeless 106.1 KFFB's General Manager Bob Connell featured US Senator John Boozman talking about how the CARES Act is delivering critical funding to Arkansas, serving on the President's congressional task force for the reopening of America in the wake of COVID-19, the food supply chain and the Senate's expected return to session. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanapplauded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for awarding Arkansas Public Housing Agencies $4.7 million in funding to support the prevention, preparation and response to the coronavirus pandemic in public housing. Providing these resources is necessary to supporting ongoing efforts to combat the coronavirus in Arkansas. These investments will protect the lives of vulnerable individuals in our state, members said. U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonalong with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westermanapplauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding additional federal funds to hospitals and health care providers across Arkansas to help facilitate the coronavirus response in our communities. We are pleased that HHS has continued to quickly provide much-needed aid to medical providers in Arkansas. Every provider has been impacted by this crisis and the effort to ensure that no one misses out on relief is greatly appreciated, the delegation said. Arkansas U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton -- along with U.S. Reps. Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman -- applauded the U.S. Department of Education for awarding emergency relief funds to support continued learning for Arkansas students. ""The closure of all public schools in Arkansas for the remainder of the school year is one of the biggest disruptions to everyday life the coronavirus crisis has brought upon families in our state,"" the Arkansas lawmakers said in a joint news release. ""This funding ... will help the state overcome some of the challenges our educators, students and parents are facing as a result."" U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman praise the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for awarding $10.6 million in federal funds to support rural communities and further develop testing and prevention capabilities against the coronavirus crisis in Arkansas, said a press release from the delegates. Communities and medical providers across the state will benefit from these resources as we continue to fight the coronavirus and look toward a future of resuming daily activities, members said. The Paycheck Protection Program is an important tool to help Arkansas small businesses remain operational during the coronavirus pandemic and viable in the future. The restoration of funding to this program will support workers and small businesses in the Natural State and all across America. I urge the House of Representatives to quickly approve this funding so we can provide immediate relief to small businesses facing financial hardships, Boozman said in a news release. U.S. Senator John Boozman is among a bipartisan group that on Sunday urged Senate leadership to include local news media outlets in future coronavirus relief legislation. Boozman, R-Arkansas, along with senators Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, John Kennedy, R-Louisiana, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, signed a letter asking for local newspapers and television and radio stations to be eligible for small business assistance under the Paycheck Protection Program. ""Local news is essential to keeping us informed during this crisis. Reporters are on the frontlines delivering details the public needs and deserves. At a time when we need this communication more than ever, media outlets are struggling with financial losses as a result of decreased advertising leading to decisions to downsize, furlough workers or close. Ensuring the viability of local news outlets is critical to maintaining access to information,"" Boozman said via a spokesperson Tuesday. The interview program hosted by Timeless 106.1 KFFB's General Manager Bob Connell featured US Senator John Boozman talking about Economic Impact Payments, relief to agriculture, The CALL, broadband, distribution of funds for businesses, workers and families, child care support to health care workers industry, and heroes. ""Those members of Congress are definitely hearing from their constituents that they need to pass this,"" he said. Members of Arkansas' congressional delegation have also been diligent in staying in touch throughout the emergency. ""There is an immediate need to increase funding to the program because the money has run out, but there are still many small businesses in need of assistance,"" [Senator John Boozman, R-Rogers] said in a statement. ""I am confident Congress will approve additional resources to support its continuation."" U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton along with Con",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z