Washington
209 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3772
Fax: (202) 225-1314
April 27, 2026
Working in Congress to represent my friends and neighbors across the Fourth District, it is essential that we work closely with local and state entities to ensure that the legislation that is advocated for – and passed – in Washington addresses issues that meet the needs of Arkansans. That’s why it’s always a privilege to welcome the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce to Washington D.C. every year for their annual visit.
The dedicated state chamber representatives who journeyed to our nation’s capital this week share my interest in bettering our communities and laying a firm foundation for future generations to build their success upon.
Whether it’s hearing more about the needs of our cattle, livestock, and row crop farmers or learning more about what our communities need for more reliable infrastructure and economic growth, each of these needs have direct and deep impacts for the Fourth District.
These visits also help serve as a great reminder that the work we do in Congress matters. Oftentimes a spotlight is placed on the division and discord in Washington. But every single day, Members of Congress are showing up, ready to work together to enact good, commonsense policy. It may not always be legislation that piques everyone’s interest or is especially glamorous to discuss, but it’s legislation that builds a framework for a better future.
With all four Arkansas congressmen – and both Senators – holding a gavel, our state swings well above its weight in the House of Representatives. Because of this, across multiple House committees, a lot of the legislation produced has direct impacts on the Natural State. And when we welcome groups like the Arkansas State Chamber to town, not only do we get the opportunity to build better relationships, but we get the opportunity to put what we’ve learned to work and truly make a difference not only for Arkansas, but for America.
April 20, 2026
This week, I was proud to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution that recognizes April as Second Chance Month. This resolution raises awareness for unlocking opportunities for successful reentry into society following incarceration that ultimately reduces recidivism rates.
Arkansas’ ranking as the third highest for recidivism rates in the nation highlights the need for us to look at opportunities to enact real change and ultimately create a more prosperous future for our state. According to the Arkansas Department of Corrections, forty-six percent of those released from prison in the state are readmitted within three years.
Offering incarcerated Arkansans the opportunity to succeed by reducing the barriers that keep them from establishing good-paying jobs and earning sought-after respect after being released is proven to be a critical key to reducing recidivism rates. Investing in these individuals who have proven to be committed to rectifying their mistakes is ultimately an investment in the future success and safety of our communities.
While the true hope is that crimes are not committed, it remains an unfortunate reality. Over twenty years ago in his State of the Union Speech, President George W. Bush said, “We know from long experience that if [incarcerated individuals] can’t find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison…. America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.”
The United States of America stands apart from the rest of the world. Other countries and nations have centuries of history and stories to tell. But we are a young nation – only 250 years old – so what makes us so revered by the world?
There are many ways to answer this question, but there is one constant theme that has been woven like a thread into the fabric of our nation’s history: the hope of a second chance. The dream of starting over and building a new life that isn’t weighed down by past mistakes. We know this to be called the “American Dream.”
A concept first penned by James Truslow Adams in 1931, the term was described as, “not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.”
We are the living legacies of men and women who desired a second chance and the opportunity to experience the American Dream. Because of that, giving a second chance to those who are committed to reconciling with society and looking to contribute positively to their communities after serving their sentence is one of the most American things we can do.
It’s a privilege to work in Congress on efforts that truly lead to the betterment of our communities. Getting down to the root of the issue and learning how we can apply real opportunities for real change is a great honor that I look forward to continuing to work toward.
April 16, 2026
To better serve Arkansans across the Fourth District, I regularly hold Telephone Town Hall events where I can hear directly from constituents on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and your neighbors.
TONIGHT at 6:30 pm CT, I’ll be hosting a Telephone Town Hall to discuss the current legislative business in Washington and any other recent news directly impacting Arkansas.
If you haven’t signed up to participate on my website, dial 866-295-1762 to join the call or tune in to Facebook Live.
If you have signed up on my website to participate, you’ll receive a call to join. All you have to do is answer!
I hope you’ll join in!
April 10, 2026
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new City of Hot Springs Water Plant that will be responsible for delivering clean, reliable, and safe drinking water for thousands of Arkansans.
Exciting celebrations like these are timely reminders of just how important – and vital – water infrastructure is to the wellness of our local communities. For thousands of years, civilizations have been built around abundant water sources. A key element in urban growth, water still plays a vital role in shaping and sustaining our modern-day society.
Whether it’s a drinking water storage facility, treatment plant, wastewater system, flood mitigation, or even a navigable waterway like the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), reliable water infrastructure not only ensures residents have the supply they need for their own households, but it also ensures a thriving ecosystem and economy.
Oftentimes, the word “infrastructure” takes our thoughts directly to the roads we drive on, the buildings that house our local businesses, and the power grids that keep our homes lit and warm. These are the tangible, physical structures that support our economic activity and transportation needs.
On the other hand, water infrastructure often goes unnoticed, either because of its literal inability to be seen or because we come to expect what they produce so readily, it tends to be forgotten. These systems allow our daily lives to function so smoothly that when working properly, they’re hardly noticed and often taken for granted. But when failure occurs, dysfunction and disruption can be felt almost immediately.
Arkansas is a water-rich state. According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, we proudly hold over 600,000 acres of surface water. With 4.8 trillion gallons of water in our lakes, 200 trillion gallons in the ground, and Arkansans using an average of 157 gallons of water a day, our state relies heavily on a robust infrastructure system that can meet our demands and support this incredibly abundant resource.
Our growing state demands water infrastructure that can keep up with its pace. I’m grateful to our state and local leaders for their proactive investment in updating our infrastructure to ensure safer drinking water while also supporting our economic and environmental needs. Their dedication to mitigating flood risk to protect families, property, agriculture, and other economic infrastructure is also greatly welcomed, and I am always dedicated and proud to partner with their efforts on the federal level to build a more prosperous, sustainable Arkansas.
April 3, 2026
With an area covering over 20,000 square miles, the Fourth District is the largest Congressional District in the state. From the Ouachita Mountains to the Delta, our district’s unique natural landscapes boast some of the most beautiful and iconic locations in Arkansas.
This expanse, however, really underscores the need for multiple district offices, allowing folks from all over to access their representative in Congress without driving hundreds of miles.
That’s why I have offices located in Russellville, Hot Springs, El Dorado, and Pine Bluff. The staff in these offices live and work in these communities, too. They’ve built their lives around investing in the future of their local schools, churches, and the folks who live there. They understand the needs of the surrounding communities better than just about anyone and are well-equipped to assist with any federal issue you may be facing.
While my offices in Washington, D.C., or across Arkansas are only a phone call or email away, we still understand the great value of meeting the folks we serve face-to-face. That’s why my office will be hosting mobile office hours in various locations across the Fourth District during April to meet with you in your home county.
No appointment is necessary to attend these mobile hours, and a member of my staff will be available to assist you with any federal issue you’re currently dealing with. Whether it’s a passport issue, challenges with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Medicare and Medicaid, or Social Security Administration (SSA), my team is ready to help!
To view all upcoming mobile office hour times, dates, and locations, please visit my website at Westerman.house.gov/mobile-office-hours .
It remains an honor to serve every one of my constituents in Congress. Being raised right here in the Fourth District, my Arkansas roots run deep, which is why I cannot imagine any greater privilege than working on behalf of my friends and neighbors in our nation’s Capital on the issues that matter most to them and their families.
March 30, 2026
As digital entertainment dominates the attention of our nation’s youth, it is important to be reminded of the great significance reading has on sharpening the mind and broadening the ability to think critically. March is National Reading Month, and I’m grateful for this time set aside that underscores the importance of such a critical aspect of education.
Ronald Reagan once said, “Reading is a key to past, present, and future – a path into virtually limitless treasures of knowledge and inspiration. Reading encourages wonder about the world, broadens awareness of others, and offers clues about the meaning of life.”
Our late President is exactly right. Reading offers a way to expand the mind in a way that our digital devices are unable to. Holding a book in your hands, turning its pages, and reading its words of wisdom offers a moment in time for your mind to take a break, learn something new, and move forward with a broadened awareness.
As the co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, it is very important that we also shine a light on the most common learning disability that is directly tied to reading: dyslexia. Within this caucus, I have the unique ability to work in Congress on behalf of educators, parents, and students with dyslexia to advocate for a more science-based approach to creating a modern understanding around the definition of dyslexia.
While this learning disability unfortunately remains woefully misunderstood, it should never be a roadblock for students’ success in the classroom. Thankfully, great efforts are being made on the state level in Arkansas to ensure students with reading disabilities can receive the help they need early on to achieve higher academic outcomes and keep them on a level playing field with their peers.
Reading connects our present to our past. It’s a tool to expand our minds, increase our awareness of the world around us, and even allow us to visit hidden corners of the globe. The significance of reading can never be understated, which is why I am proud to continue advocating for a better understanding of reading disabilities to ensure no student is left behind in the classroom.
March 23, 2026
Sitting in the Transportation and Infrastructure hearing room this week as Chairman Graves gaveled us in to begin committee activity was young Dalilah Coleman accompanied by her mother and father. Committee hearings and markups are open to the public, so it’s common to look out and see folks sitting in who have just visited a Smithsonian museum or finished a Capitol tour, looking for a front row seat to observe the legislative process while visiting Washington.
However, this young guest was special because we would be passing a bill out of committee named in her honor that morning, sending it to the House Floor for a vote.
Dalilah’s Law was crafted after her car was struck by a semi-truck operated by an illegal alien with no English proficiency who did not meet the commercial driver’s license (CDL) standards. Because of this tragedy, Dalilah suffered life-altering injuries.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that, in 2025, at least seventeen fatal crashes and thirty deaths were linked to unqualified foreign drivers illegally operating commercial motor vehicles. Dalilah’s Law works to prevent future tragedies from occurring on our roads by ensuring stronger safety standards for CDLs and ensuring training providers are following the rules.
It was also disheartening to learn that the DOT reported that nearly 3,000 truck driver training schools were removed from the federal registry after investigators found falsified training records. It shouldn’t be controversial to ask that individuals operating an 80,000-pound semi-truck be able to understand and follow our nation’s road signs or be able to effectively communicate with law enforcement.
Weak policies and loopholes have unfortunately allowed unsafe drivers on our roads. But this week, House Republicans advanced legislation to the House Floor that closes these loopholes and brings us one step closer to restoring Americans’ trust and safety. It’s a privilege to work on legislation that not only honors individuals like young Dalilah but restores faith in our transportation system to ensure the safety of those traveling on our nation’s roads.
March 13, 2026
The internet and social media have become a modern-day Wild West. The increased use of AI and social media by bad actors with little regulation from the tech industry has led to severe impacts on our children’s safety and mental health.
Big Tech companies continuously refuse to take responsibility for the impact their content can have on kids and families. So now, Congress has an obligation to restore order and enact policies that put our kids’ safety first along with their digital well-being.
Last week, the Committee on Energy and Commerce held a markup to discuss the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, a bill that aims at protecting our kids and teens from the dangers of online usage, empowering parents, and holding Big Tech companies accountable.
The long-standing “honor system” adult websites have used is no longer feasible. We cannot be naïve to think that children will not be exposed to pornography and other graphic content at such young ages. In response to this epidemic we are watching unfold, KIDS requires all websites containing adult content to uphold the same levels of safety measures and restrictions that a brick-and-mortar store would use. That’s just plain common sense.
Newer online threats, like the misuse of AI, are also addressed in this bill – an issue that has already proven to create great risks and concerns in the online world regarding our children’s safety. From AI-generated photos to chatbots on social media, we are seeing an increased amount of deception online that feed dangerous narratives. We must think: if it’s becoming difficult for us as adults to discern what is real or fake online, how can we expect our children to have the ability to do the same?
The responsibility doesn’t rest solely on the shoulders of Congress or the government to ensure the safety of our children online. That’s why the KIDS Act also aims at empowering parents to get involved and learn how to better detect and respond to digital threats.
According to the National Library of Medicine, a Spanish study was conducted in 2016 of children ages 13 to 17. This study found that 60% of boys and 11% of girls use the internet for sexual activities. But surprisingly, it was found that 75% of parents believe their children have never been exposed to adult content like pornography.
So much of our children’s exposure to adult content online happens in the home. The internet isn’t even close to what it was like 20 years ago – even five years ago! That’s why parents must be informed and aware of the new challenges that are sure to continue developing online so they can make the best decisions regarding the well-being of their children and their families.
Serving the Fourth District in Congress, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with family members who have shared their own experiences with online safety. Oftentimes, these are not happy stories that are shared. They’re serious, sobering, and incredibly difficult to process.
Being told the story of a mother’s son who took his own life because of an AI chat box or content fed to him by a social media algorithm is a devasting story to hear. Learning about the use of AI-generated photos to produce inappropriate images of someone’s underage son or daughter is sickening. There are countless stories to be told, each more devastating than the last. But these stories are why it matters that Congress steps in to create guardrails around an industry whose sole motive is to keep kids – and adults – chronically online for profit.
It may come as a knee-jerk reaction to feel unease when seeing the words “Congress,” “guardrails,” or “restrictions” in the same sentence, but when it comes to an issue where our children’s lives are on the line, we cannot gamble with the hope that Big Tech will step up to do the right thing after years and years of opportunity to do so.
For years, I’ve been heavily supportive of legislation that prioritizes child safety online. This is exactly why I introduced my bill, the Focus on Learning Act, in 2024, to study the impact of cell phones in schools. This bill gets to the heart of the need to protect children from the unhealthy use of technology by conducting studies to provide up-to-date reports on the real-life implications of its use.
We have got to give our kids the best opportunity to succeed. These bills are excellent steps in the right direction, but there is still so much work to be done. House Republicans remain dedicated to protecting our kids, empowering families, and holding industries accountable that prey on their innocence.
March 9, 2026
The United States is second to none in its beauty. This year, as our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, what better way to honor our great country than visiting its national parks which boast that majestic beauty? Thankfully, for those of us in Arkansas, we don’t have to go too far to visit one of the most unique parks in the country.
Hot Springs National Park celebrated its 105th birthday this week, reminding us of the rich history nestled deep within the Fourth District of Arkansas.
Yellowstone may be the first National Park, but few may know that Hot Springs became the first Federal Reservation – a federally protected area most notably due to its natural resources – in the United States in 1832, 40 years before Yellowstone was established. On March 3, 1921, Hot Springs finally joined the ranks, receiving its National Park status.
What makes our own National Park so unique is that it’s not just a destination for visitors to come and enjoy by viewing alone. Millions of visitors come to Hot Springs each year to insert themselves into the story and history of Hot Springs by enjoying the 47 natural thermal springs and even sip the water! In fact, Hot Springs National Park is the only park mandated by the National Park Service to give away its primary resource to the public in an unaltered state.
And, unlike many of the other National Parks across the nation that require a long trek to access, the Hot Springs National Park is accessible right in the middle of town with stunning views and unique infrastructure like our historic bathhouses, making one of the crown jewels of Arkansas so unique.
With access to thermal waters, stunning lakes, biking, and 26 miles of hiking trails, Hot Springs National Park is unlike any other, and it is a privilege to represent such a historic landmark – and my hometown – in Congress. My hope is that we take the time to appreciate our state’s natural resources and do our part in stewarding our land well in order for it to be enjoyed by future generations, just as much as we have been blessed to enjoy it in our own day.
February 28, 2026
Last year, House Republicans implemented policies into the One Big Beautiful Bill that eliminated the $200 federal tax stamp on silencers. This act alone took away the largest administrative and financial barrier to suppressor ownership. That legislation sparked a surge in the suppressor industry, allowing gun owners to have easier access to essential hearing protection and small business firearm retailers to see a much-needed boost in revenue.
This change in federal law eliminated a stifling tax and created a more streamlined application process, giving citizens greater opportunities to exercise their Second Amendment rights and enjoy a cherished Arkansas pastime.
Many Arkansans, including myself, have grown up with a deep appreciation for firearms, shooting sports, and our Second Amendment rights. We own firearms for many reasons that include but aren’t limited to target practice, hunting, and personal protection for ourselves and our families. This is a time-honored tradition for many Arkansans that spans generations. It’s a love we’ve passed down to our children, who we trust will pass it along to their own.
That’s why it is a proud duty of mine to stand against any attempt to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens to own, operate, and carry firearms. It’s also a privilege to support legislation that protects the safety of our state’s gunowners.
Cutting this bureaucratic red tape is further proof that when we roll back federal regulations and overreach, we can simplify processes, lower costs, and fuel economic growth.
The government should always aim to support responsible citizens, not stand in their way. When we remove and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, we can unleash our economy and create a marketplace where more goods are accessible and affordable for everyone.
February 20, 2026
While most holidays commemorate historic events or movements, Presidents’ Day honors the leaders who shaped our nation. We honor them not for being without mistake, but for their commitment to a cause that was much greater than themselves.
Additionally, Presidents’ Day is a celebration of democracy itself, reflecting on our ability to self-govern and choose our own leaders. The celebration of the American presidency is just as much about the celebration of our nation’s principles as it is about the men who led and shaped our government.
Before resigning his commission as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1783, George Washington held immense military and political power. Although the American Revolution was fought for freedom from a monarchy, some believed the best chance for stabilizing our infant nation was to create a constitutional monarchy – something President Washington could have easily obtained.
King George III remarked that, if President Washington would indeed give up this power, he would be “the greatest man in the world.”
And so, in a display of incredible humility, George Washington did the unthinkable: he handed over his nearly immeasurable power in exchange for the peace and quiet of his beloved Mount Vernon home, to live out the rest of his days as a proud – and private – American citizen.
This one act of greatness set the tone for the future of the American presidency. His decision demonstrated a commitment to civic virtue and duty that ensured the presidency would be an office of temporary public service rather than a lifetime position, fortifying the foundations of our nation’s new republic.
This week, as we honor President Washington’s enduring leadership along with his successors, we reflect on a nation built upon principles of humility, sacrifice, and above all, service. We are reminded of true statesmanship, and the power of putting country before all else.
February 16, 2026
For generations, the American Dream has been closely linked to homeownership. A strong and sturdy front porch where morning coffee can be enjoyed, a yard where kids can run around and play in the sprinklers on a hot summer’s day, and a kitchen large enough to host friends and family for Sunday dinners. All of it paints the picture of a home where a family can put down roots and build a future.
However, with our housing supply unable to keep up with demand, combined with the rising cost of living and miles of bureaucratic red tape, that dream has continued to slip further out of reach.
This week, House Republicans passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a bill that addresses several of the barriers to homeownership by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and requirements, and enhancing community banking operations.
A major topic of discussion across Congress this year has been the need for streamlining our permitting process. The housing industry is also sounding the alarm for needing these reforms, as millions of builders are experiencing permitting delays that severely impact their ability to push construction projects across the finish line. This bill also streamlines the process for builders to get permits approved in a timelier manner by allowing pre-approved home designs, so that homes can be built more quickly.
The Housing for the 21st Century Act supports community and rural banks by modernizing outdated oversight and streamlining exams. These commonsense reforms will ultimately expand local lending to our small businesses, farmers, and families while ensuring a dedication to financial responsibility.
By modernizing HUD programs, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers to new home construction, and allowing banks to more freely deploy funding, this bill empowers homeowners and renters while strengthening communities and leading to more affordable housing choices for all Americans. Once again, House Republicans continue to advance legislation that works to restore the American Dream to those in Arkansas and across the nation.
February 7, 2026
There are 435 members in the House of Representatives, and each one of us is immensely proud of our districts. The people we serve and our local communities are truly the heart of our nation. Their stories, struggles, and successes are the motivation behind why we do what we do as Members of Congress, and it’s a privilege to advocate for the betterment not only of the individual but also for the infrastructure and communities that support them.
Within the last week, the House was able to successfully pass all twelve appropriations bills under a committee-led, member-driven approach. Included was the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill which provided the opportunity to secure funding for specific public projects with a federal nexus.
Once there is an agreed upon overall THUD budget cap each year, the question then focuses on how the funds are distributed across the country. This unique mechanism in the appropriations process allows elected members – not DC bureaucrats – to decide exactly where some of this money should go. After all, shouldn’t that input come from those who best understand the needs of our local communities and are accountable to our constituents in those communities?
Through this distribution process, it was a privilege to secure several wins for the Fourth District that focus on different projects which have now been signed into law by the President.
In the THUD bill, $7 million was allotted for the Highway 82 Railroad Overpass to realign a portion of the highway and construct a five-lane grade separation with the Union Pacific Railroad. This will ultimately increase safety for travelers and provide a five-lane structure in preparation for future widening of the Highway 82 corridor. This project ensures the increased safety, mobility, enhanced economic opportunities, and improved reliability of the regional transportation system.
Additionally, my contribution to the THUD legislation included $11 million for the Texarkana Regional Airport Taxiway-Taxilane construction rehabilitation. This project would improve the primary taxiway at Texarkana Regional Airport to allow for larger and heavier aircraft to operate at the airport and support economic development of the local community and the surrounding region.
Lastly, it was a great privilege to secure roughly $9.2 million for the iconic Army Navy General Hospital for critical upgrades to the property and structure. Ultimately, the demolition, remediation, and stabilization of the property are necessary to mitigate fire risks, secure the site, and remove hazards to public safety. After years of inoccupancy, the property has become a major fire risk, target for vandalism, and threat to the thermal springs which are so beloved by the Hot Springs community.
As a sitting member on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it is an advantage to have a firsthand understanding of the important role our state’s infrastructure plays in the safety of our communities – especially for our more rural areas. Runways, roadways and bridges connect rural folks with the vital services they need while increasing access to global markets for our local farmers and manufacturers. Together, they work hand-in-hand to foster the security of its residents and the growth of our local economies. It remains a privilege to work on behalf of communities across the Fourth District to secure wins that ultimately invest in the future of our great state.
January 30, 2026
This week’s polar vortex brought snow and ice to many portions of the Fourth District. Many were advised to stay home, stay warm, and stay safe. However, in these moments, there are always the few who must sacrifice their own warmth and safety to keep our communities safe. These men and women are well-deserving of all of our thanks for the tireless hours and selfless work they have contributed in the past week.
We often see firefighters and police officers as the face of our first responders; the public servants who faithfully answer the call of duty. But in severe weather or natural disasters, our EMS workers, nurses, and doctors remain steadfast. Selflessly working around the clock, these men and women oftentimes make the hospital their temporary home in order to ensure Arkansans have the care they need in case of emergencies. We even heard stories of nurses in the Little Rock area organizing a system of volunteer drivers to help over 250 health care workers make it to the hospital in order to cover their shifts.
Plumbers are called when pipes burst and linemen are prepared to face the elements when power lines are affected. Road crews are dispatched to clear the streets and make sure drivers are safe. Nursing home workers often become a crucial lifeline for families, staying overnight to ensure residents are safe when families are unable to visit their loved ones. And our Arkansas National Guard were deployed to countless locations, standing at the ready to assist communities in clearing roads, rescuing stranded drivers, and offering their service wherever they were called.
There are so many folks who we have to thank for keeping our communities safe and running in times of crisis and difficulty. Their service truly embodies what it means to be a good neighbor, and I hope we can all take that same, others-first spirit of service and implement it into our own lives.
Serving others and taking care of our neighbors isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s an investment in our community. For many of us across Arkansas, this has been our home for generations. We discover the real, deep value of our community when we are proactive in taking care of the people and places outside of our own property lines. And when we can really see its value, we care more for it and work harder to make it a place not only we want to live, but a place for our children and grandchildren to live and in turn, invest in it themselves.
Weeks like these are hard. But with Arkansas grit and spirit, we can take these moments to remind ourselves of the gift we have been given of community and the importance of supporting and investing in the folks around us. Let’s take care of what we’ve been given and each other – it’s the most American thing we can do.
January 27, 2026
From some of our earliest years of education, we were introduced to the words our forefathers wrote as they envisioned what the future of the United States might be. In a small room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, these words were written onto one of the most pivotal documents in history: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Our founding fathers understood that every man, woman, and child has been created with rights that no man can take away; the most important being the right to life. This week, thousands of Americans gathered in our nation’s capital to celebrate that right to life during the annual March for Life.
The days leading up to this event always provide an excellent opportunity to reflect on the work being done to advance pro-life and pro-family legislation. We must never forget the importance of crafting policies that continue to protect our most sacred and ultimate gift. It was an honor to be recognized by the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America scorecard this week as an A+ legislator who consistently advocates for these initiatives in Congress.
Just this week, the House voted on two specific pieces of legislation aimed at supporting pregnant mothers and working families: the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act and the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act. House Republicans understand that true support of an unborn child extends to the health of the mother along with her support system, which is equally valuable for a child’s best chance at a fulfilling and healthy life.
Updates to prenatal care facilities, programs, and opportunities for pregnant women are just as pro-life as fighting to protect the lives of the unborn in their mothers’ wombs. It’s an honor to serve the Fourth District and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I will continue to advocate for our God-given right to life and always fight against abortion.
January 19, 2026
The United States is one of the only nations in the world that allows child victims of sex trafficking and abuse who retaliate against their abusers to grow up in prison with no chance at parole or rehabilitation. Because of this, I was proud to introduce the Sara’s Law and Preventing Unfair Sentencing Act of 2026 earlier this week.
This legislation ensures that our justice system exempts minors who are victims of abuse from mandatory minimum sentencing, encouraging judges to consider the full story when issuing a sentence.
Several years ago, I met Sara Kruzman, the inspiration for this bill, who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole when she was seventeen years old. Sara’s story is one many children are unfortunately familiar with: after being groomed at the age of eleven, she was trafficked from ages thirteen to sixteen. After her escape, she returned to kill her abuser.
Without the court’s consideration of her childhood trauma and the darkness she undoubtedly endured, she was sentenced to live out the rest of her life in prison without parole. After serving a little over nineteen years, she was commuted, and her sentence was reduced.
According to Shared Hope International, children as young as thirteen can be sentenced to life in prison without parole, and unfortunately, over 2,500 children in our nation are serving this sentence. Of these children, girls in the juvenile justice system are more likely to have previously experienced high rates of sexual violence.
Children shouldn’t be sentenced to grow up in prison because they chose to fight back. Instead of letting the justice system come to a decision without the full breadth of the child’s history or victimization, we are doing a great disservice to these youth. We must work to create reforms to our juvenile justice system that will empower our future generations to receive the help they need to move forward, grow, and ultimately create wonderful, lasting impacts on our society.
January 11, 2026
A big topic of discussion across Congress as of late is the upcoming deadline on the Continuing Resolution that was passed in November which reopened the government after the historic shutdown. As January 31st looms closer and closer, it is incredibly important to work efficiently in order to pass the remaining appropriations packages so that Congress can get back to funding the government through the regular order process.
One of Congress’ primary functions is to act as the purse-holder for our nation’s finances. This means we have the ability to determine how our taxpayer dollars will be spent. It is important to steward American’s hard-earned tax dollars to the best of our ability.
It’s just plain, common sense that if you are given someone else’s money, it should be spent in a fiscally responsible way. When Congress continues to kick the can down the road every year when it comes to crafting our nation’s budget, we are not doing our job to take care of what American taxpayers have trusted us with.
This week, the House voted to pass three more appropriations bills through a minibus bill – meaning all three individual pieces of legislation were packaged together under one vote. This is oftentimes done in order to efficiently pass funding bills when there is a quickly approaching deadline.
By passing the Commerce Justice Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, House Republicans have secured further funding for our programs that assist law enforcement in addressing the opioid crisis, illegal immigration, and other vital legislation that protects our communities.
Through the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act passage, funds have been allotted to safeguard our national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic competitiveness.
And with the passage Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, House Republicans are further committing to unleash American energy, ensure access to public lands, promote the reversal of harmful Biden-era rules that hamstrung farmers and industries, and restore agency funding levels.
With six down and six more to go, the House’s vote on this week’s Appropriations package was an excellent step in the right direction toward passing a complete Fiscal Year 26 Budget. It’s been far too long since Congress has passed the entire federal budget through the regular order process and unfortunately this broken system of Continuing Resolutions and government shutdowns has become the expected. It’s time to put that era to an end once and for all.
House Republicans are determined to bring sanity back to the budget process in the 119th Congress, and I’m hopeful that as we near our deadline at the end of this month, we can take one step further on the road to fiscal sanity.
January 4, 2026
Reflecting on Legislative Wins
A new year always sparks excitement for what lies ahead in the months to come. Goals are set, aspirations are made, and lots of people hit the gym. However, one can’t help but also look back on the previous year to celebrate the various wins and challenges that were overcome.
Last year was marked by several pieces of monumental legislation introduced, with some even passing the House or being signed into law. It was a great honor to introduce the Fix Our Forests Act last January, which addresses the need for better forest management in order to prevent devastating wildfires. This legislation received excellent bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing it pass through the Senate in the new year.
House Republicans also worked together to pass historic legislation in the Working Families Tax Cut Act, that was signed into law on July 4, which creates great wins for Arkansans. The largest impact this package will have on the Fourth District of Arkansas is undoubtedly the historic tax cuts working families and individuals will receive along with the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will empower states with the resources they need to improve health care quality and access by supporting rural health care systems as they invest in a stronger workforce, update technology, and promote preventative health care.
Most notably, my bill, the SPEED Act was introduced last July and brought to the House Floor for a vote in December. I’m proud of the work done to get the SPEED Act passed in the House so we can get Arkansas, and America, building and push projects across the finish line. Through reforming the NEPA permitting process, The SPEED Act reflects a commitment to empowering local leaders, supporting our rural economy, and ensuring that communities across the Fourth District aren’t left waiting for infrastructure that should have been built years ago.
Looking ahead to the new year, I’m eager to continue working for the people of the Fourth District and Arkansas alongside my Republican Colleagues to deliver commonsense legislation that puts our working families, seniors, veterans, and taxpayers first.
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OFFICE LOCATIONS: Washington, DC |
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