Lawmakers mark low-key July 4th

With most of the typical Independence Day festivities canceled, members of the all-Republican Arkansas congressional delegation had little in the way of campaign activities on the agenda for this weekend.

Instead, they’ll spend time with family, they said.

“I’ve always enjoyed the Pangburn, Fairfield Bay and Maumelle parades, among others. Those are always so much fun. You see so many people. I’m going to miss that part of my Fourth of July,” said U.S. Rep. French Hill of Little Rock.

Instead, “we’re going to barbecue with some friends in the backyard and salute the country,” he said.

With no parades to attend, U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro also planned to concentrate on his grill-master duties, Crawford’s spokeswoman said.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs said his yearly rituals had been scaled back.

“We normally have a larger family gathering planned or something and do a cookout and shoot fireworks, but we’re still not doing those big family dinners yet,” he said.

A trip to the lake might also be on the agenda instead, he said.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Rogers said his typical election year schedule had been erased.

“Most of the events I normally take part in are canceled,” he said.

“Hopefully, [I’ll] eat some homemade ice cream,” he said. “Whatever I do, I will socially distance [and] wear my mask if it involves any groupings of people.” Planning to visit the nation’s capital? Know something happening in Washington, D.C.? Please contact Frank Lockwood at (202) 662-7690 or flockwood@arkansasonline.com. Want the latest from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Washington bureau? It’s available on Twitter, @LockwoodFrank.