Senators vote to confirm Esper as new defense secretary
Arkansas’ senators were part of an overwhelming Senate confirmation for Mark Esper as secretary of defense on Tuesday, and later both congratulated the military veteran on his new position.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a veteran himself who was mentioned late last year as a possible candidate to fill the secretary of defense position after Gen. Jim Mattis resigned from the position, noted that Esper earned a Bronze Star as a member of the 101st Airborne Division.
“He went on to a successful career in and out of government, where he shaped American defense policy with remarkable skill and effectiveness,” Cotton said. “Mark has devoted his life to public service. I have no doubt he’ll serve with honor again as secretary of defense.”
Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) said that the federal government’s most important responsibility is protecting
Americans from a “multitude of threats,” including escalating tensions with Iran.
“I am confident that Mark Esper is the correct choice to lead the Defense Department, and I am pleased with the Senate’s strong vote of support,” Boozman said. “His expertise in national security policy, deep understanding of the inner-workings of the Pentagon and the bipartisan respect he has earned from members of Congress will make him a valuable partner as we work to ensure our armed forces are ready for today’s challenges and prepared to counter tomorrow’s threats.”
Esper was confirmed by a 90-to-8 vote. President Donald Trump’s original nominee to replace Mattis, Patrick Shanahan, resigned last month before his Senate confirmation hearing.
• RURAL HOSPITALS: Boozman and Cotton, along with Rep. Rick Crawford, Rep. French Hill, Rep. Steve Womack and Rep. Bruce Westerman (who represents Union County as part of Arkansas’ fourth congressional district) announced their support Tuesday for a proposed rule they said would result in higher Medicare reimbursements for rural hospitals.
The Arkansas delegation expressed their support in a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, noting the change would increase payments to those below the 25th percentile on the wage index.
“Rural hospitals are essential contributors to their communities, but they are also especially vulnerable,” the lawmakers wrote. “In 2017, more than one-third of Arkansas hospitals had a negative margin, and, nationwide, nearly one-fourth of rural hospitals are at risk of closure.”
The rule would increase Arkansas’ total statewide reimbursement by an estimated $12.3 million, according to a press release, allowing hospitals to offer higher salaries and retain skilled health workers.
• INFRASTRUTURE UPGRADES: Boozman, Cotton, Crawford and Westerman also announced that the Southeast Arkansas and Northeast Louisiana Multimodal Freight Corridor project had received $10.5 million from the department of transportation.
The money will be used to modernize and improve rail safety infrastructure along the corridor, which runs from McGehee, Arkansas to Tallulah, Louisiana and improve connectivity between three inland waterway ports, according to the announcement.
“As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m thrilled to see so many resources allocated to improving rail and waterway infrastructure,” Westerman said. “In a rural state, modern, safe and efficient railways and ports are crucial parts of driving economic growth. The devastating flooding we experienced this year showed how essential it is to upgrade Arkansas’s infrastructure, and this grant is a huge step in the right direction.”