Police deserve support
Local law enforcement officers make unbelievable sacrifices every day to protect their communities. With violent crime on the rise, including crime against police, it’s becoming more and more critical that we support the men and women at the forefront of keeping us safe.
Upholding the law is one of our country’s core tenets, and it’s a shame some people are turning their backs on the very people who selflessly and courageously work to defend and maintain law and order in our communities — they deserve our full support.
While the Biden administration and far-left Democrats repeatedly push for anti-police and soft-oncrime policies, I, alongside my House Republican colleagues, many of whom have worn a badge themselves, remain committed to advancing legislation to strengthen our laws to combat violent crime and support the men and women in blue. We’ve passed numerous policies to provide law enforcement with the resources, training, and support they need to effectively and safely protect and serve their communities, and we will continue to do so.
As National Police Week comes to an end, I hope you will join me in praying for those who risk their lives daily to protect Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District and for the families who have tragically lost their loved ones in the line of duty – their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
COUNTY FARM FAMILIES OF THE YEAR
The Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program recently announced the 2024 County Farm Families of the Year! For 77 years, this program has celebrated Arkansas agriculture by recognizing outstanding farm families across the state for their unique achievements and contributions to their communities. I look forward to seeing who will be named the District Farm Families and, later, the winning Arkansas Farm Family this summer.
AVIATION SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the historically bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. This comprehensive legislation will make timely and strategic investments to bolster aviation safety and infrastructure, support the aviation workforce, and drive economic growth. As a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I was proud to play a role in the passage of this bill, and I’m glad to see the President signed it into law quickly. Arkansas is on track to be a leader in aviation, and the FAA Reauthorization Act will be a significant step in getting us there.
BORDER CRISIS CONTINUES
On Wednesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a concerning statistic — there were 179,725 illegal immigrant encounters at the southern border last month.
That same day, Fox News reported that there had been more known getaways since Joe Biden took office than in the previous decade combined. House Republicans passed a solution to this problem months ago. The Secure the Border Act is the most robust border security in history, and it would put an end to this crisis. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this critical bill immediately, and I call on President Biden to utilize the executive authorities he has available to combat this crisis.
RESPONSIBLE USE OF TAX DOLLARS
As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I play a significant role in ensuring appropriate and responsible use of taxpayer dollars on infrastructure projects.
This week, at a hearing to review the federal response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, witnesses discussed how the federal government may need to provide funding to reconstruct the bridge. I asked the Federal Highway Administration administrator how we should trust the agency with billions in funding for a project of this magnitude when the same agency has failed to repair a washed-out gravel road in White Rock Mountain in Franklin County. This road is critical, yet bureaucratic red tape has delayed the project for over two years. If we allocate taxpayer funding for a project, the responsible agency should guarantee its timely completion. I look forward to receiving updates from the Federal Highway Administration about this issue following the hearing.
HOLDING BIDEN ACCOUNTABLE
Last week, we learned the Biden administration paused the delivery of thousands of weapons to Israel which would assist in their defense against the Hamas terrorists and the ongoing efforts to retrieve hostages.
As soon as I learned about this action, I joined over 100 of my colleagues in a letter to hold President Biden accountable for this delay. On Wednesday, the President notified Congress of an ammunition package to Israel. Unfortunately, this notification was a political ploy and distraction, as it only initiates the transfer of a separate package. The truth is this: the Biden administration is withholding weapons to Israel. Our ally needs our support, so the House acted swiftly to pass a bill that would require the delivery of the withheld weapons to Israel. I was proud to support these efforts, and I am calling on the President to immediately release the Congressionally approved weapons to Israel.