Congressman Bruce Westerman

Washington
209 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3772
Fax: (202) 225-1314

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.

December 29, 2025

The holiday season is a special time of year – not only to reflect on the greatest gift we have received through the birth of our Savior, but also the time to reflect on the past year and all we have to be grateful for.

With this year’s temperatures, we certainly have no trouble making this Christmas season warm and inviting. Through holiday festivities and time spent with friends and family, this really is the most wonderful time of the year.

My hope is that, as we celebrate Christmas, we will also remember the brave men and women who aren’t able to be with their own loved ones this year. Whether they are overseas or stationed in a different part of the country, our gratitude will certainly be with them as they serve our nation and protect our freedom.

Merry Christmas to you all – it is the greatest gift to serve the Fourth District of Arkansas in Congress, and it is most certainly not an honor I take lightly. May you all have a very blessed holiday season filled with peace and joy.

December 22, 2025

Over the past several months, the House Natural Resources Committee has been tirelessly at work to introduce, and ultimately pass, a once-in-a-generation piece of legislation called the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. As this is such a notable bill, it has been a great honor to lead the charge in getting this legislation across the finish line that will cut burdensome federal red tape and get America – and Arkansas – building again.

Christmas came early as the House voted this week to pass this piece of legislation that received letters of support from all fifty states.

A bill for every American across every industry, reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process through the SPEED Act will ultimately reduce unnecessary delays and make it easier for local governments to access the resources they need in order to complete economy-stimulating projects in a timely manner.

You may not realize it but permitting touches all aspects of life, from the ability to complete roadways and bridges that can prevent traffic jams all the way to the ability to lower the cost of your monthly electricity bill. This isn’t just legislation for large, federal industries, it’s a bill for you and every other taxpaying Arkansan.

Passing this bill means improving road conditions for farmers hauling equipment and goods to market. It’s faster completion of bridge repairs and rural road resurfacing projects. Permitting reform means enhanced access to economic opportunity instead of being tied down by delays in permitting that hold back local governments. And it means a more responsive government that can work at the speed our communities need instead of the pace of Washington’s red tape.

The SPEED Act is a commitment to empowering our 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. It’s been an honor to work on such a vital piece of legislation that will have direct impacts on dinner table issues. I look forward to seeing the SPEED Act move quickly through the Senate so that we can get this bill signed into law.

December 15, 2025

In a time where countries like China, Russia, and other bad actors stand at the ready for any opportunity to undermine our nation’s democracy – or democracy across the globe – it is crucial that our nation’s defense stands ready and prepared. This week, the House voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, and it was a privilege to vote for this legislation that was not only a win for our national security but our own Arkansas communities.

Our soldiers are owed a debt of gratitude. And while we will certainly never be able to repay that debt, Congress has the ability to craft legislation that supports our troops and improves their quality of life while they defend democracy.

With a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers, expanding and reauthorizing military bonuses and special pay, increasing Family Separation Allowance, and improving the Basic Allowance for Housing to keep up with the rising cost of rent, Congress is fiscally supporting our troops in ways that are designed to enhance their quality of life so that they can not only take care of their own needs, but the needs of their families and loved ones.

Access to quality health care has long been a desperate need not only for our Veterans, but our active-duty service members. This year’s NDAA works to renovate military hospitals and even build new medical facilities that will provide this needed access to specialty care. Whether it’s bolstering mental health services or lowering the threshold for travel reimbursement for medical appointments from 100 miles to 75 miles, there is no question that this bill has the well-being of our troops in mind.

Our own state was also the recipient of multiple wins that were authorized in the NDAA. Arkansas is proud to stand on the global stage of munitions production, greatly supporting our nation’s readiness capabilities and position as a global defense leader. Supporting organic industrial base sites in the Fourth District, like Pine Bluff Arsenal, through the addition of more production lines and modernization initiatives will only continue to bolster our Pine Bluff community by creating more jobs and economic wins for the surrounding area.

Additionally, supporting the East Camden community through the evaluation of U.S. stockpiles of critical munitions that are widely produced by major defense contractors not only positively impacts the Camden economy, but keeps Arkansas punching above its weight as it contributes a large portion of our nation’s munitions stockpile.

I’m always proud to support good, commonsense bills that bolster our nation’s defense, support our troops, and create wins for the Fourth District of Arkansas. This week’s passage of NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026 certainly met those goals, and I look forward to continuing to work to deliver America-first legislation.

December 8, 2025

As we reflect on this year, I’d like to take a moment to recognize our Arkansas National Guard and the exceptional discipline and dedication they have brought to their service not only for the Natural State, but nationwide.

When tragedy struck central Texas this summer, our Arkansas Guard answered the call of duty, providing integral service to the communities that were facing devastating loss and infrastructure challenges. The help they were able to provide in a dark chapter for the state of Texas was undoubtedly a lifeline of hope that was desperately needed, and I was incredibly proud to see the true Arkansas spirit represented so well by our Arkansas National Guard.

We saw our own share of devastation this year as winter weather and spring storms brought destruction to communities across the Natural State. Once again, the Arkansas National Guard answered the call of duty, bringing their exceptional training and skill where and when it was needed most.

The Arkansas National Guard’s 142nd Field Artillery Brigade touched down in Washington D.C. this week as they will be conducting patrols and providing support for local law enforcement in designated areas. I look forward to personally connecting with some of the Natural State’s finest men and women in the coming days while they are here to thank them for their service.

On December 13, the National Guard will celebrate 389 years of service. You may be wondering how that math works out, as our own nation is only 250 years old. Before our Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, the National Guard has had a presence in our country since the colonial days of 1636, playing a consistent role in the story of our nation’s founding and the defending of our freedom.

Before the adoption of its official name, the National Guard acted as our colonial militia founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. These founding fathers were at first a great concern for the colonists who feared tyrannical rule and abuses of military power. However, George Washington argued strongly for the need of a “well-organized Militia; upon a Plan that will pervade all the States, and introduce similarity in their Establishment Maneuvers, Exercise and Arms.”

Thus, the 1792 Militia Act was enacted, opening the door to centuries of men, and now women, to be divided into divisions, brigades, battalions, and companies as they serve their communities in the National Guard.

I’m grateful each day for the men and women who put on the uniform to serve their country, sacrificing the comfort and safety of their own personal lives to go where they are called to protect our communities and provide help when tragedy strikes. Regardless of their circumstances, these Guardsmen and women stay the course, remain steadfast, and do their duty to serve their country.

December 1, 2025

As we celebrate a holiday centered on our gratitude and thankfulness for all the blessings we have been given, we must also reflect on our nation’s history and the significance behind Thanksgiving Day.

Most often associated with the feast depicted in our history books from colonial days, we recall the first harvest shared by the pilgrims to thank God for their blessings and the abundant harvest they received during a time marked by great uncertainty. While this feast was celebrated at Plymouth colony in 1621, and loosely maintained by the generations to follow, it wouldn’t be for almost two more centuries that our nation would properly observe this day.

During the Revolutionary War, our Founding Fathers observed a day of thanksgiving that took on a whole new meaning. After the British army surrendered to the Americans at the Battle of Saratoga, General George Washington agreed to the Continental Congress’ suggestion of observing a national day of thanksgiving to commemorate this victory. The proclamation was signed, designating December 18, 1777, as our nation’s first Thanksgiving Day.

It wasn’t until the Civil War era, however, that Thanksgiving Day was regularly observed, when President Abraham Lincoln established the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in 1863. For 162 years, our nation has set aside this day as a day of thankfulness.

May we continue to be thankful for the blessings we have been given: our nation’s farmers who are responsible for providing food for our tables, our teachers who pour into and shape the minds of future leaders, and our troops who defend the freedoms we are so blessed to have.

When we take a moment to reflect on all that we have been given, my hope is that we will be reminded of how blessed our nation truly is. And that we will never forget the generations who have come before us to secure these gifts, urging us to press forward and do the same for future generations. I am certainly thankful for the opportunity to serve the Fourth District of Arkansas, and I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

November 21, 2025

In a historic moment for our nation’s farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and landowners, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Zeldin announced a new proposed ruling to define Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. This common-sense regulation protects our state’s waters while also unleashing American economic prosperity, and it was an honor to be in attendance and provide a few words of my support.

For too long, our federal government has weaponized the definition of our nation’s waterways to seize our states’ ability to determine what is best for their landowners, farmers, small businesses, and more. Letting our states determine what’s best for their own resources shouldn’t be a complicated issue, but decades of bureaucracy have certainly made that into a reality.

As a sitting member on the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, this is an issue that I have been focused on for quite some time that deeply affects Arkansas, its waterways, and the folks who are responsible for keeping our economy growing. For years, I have worked extensively to ensure the rights of our states, farmers, small businesses, and local communities are protected.

Since the 1972 Clean Water Act, the term Waters of the United States (WOTUS) has been long debated. However, the Obama-era 2015 Clean Water Rule muddied the waters and has since abused the rule-making process of the executive branch, creating clear overreach of federal authority on our waterways by allowing federal agencies to essentially act as zoning and land czars with little-to-no checks or balances on their power. This week’s commonsense ruling puts our states back in the driver’s seat, prioritizes Arkansas farmers and business owners, and takes a step toward reining in federal overreach.

There is no doubt that Administrator Zeldin has everyday Americans in mind, and I look forward to working with him in both of my roles on the T&I Waterways and Resources subcommittee and as Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee to enact commonsense regulations that protect our navigable waterways, hardworking Arkansans, and constitutional separation of powers.

November 14, 2025

Nearly 250 years ago, our great nation was born. The decades that came before it were measured by a people whose spirit yearned for freedom from tyranny and the right to self-determination. We were founded by a people whose grit was equally matched by their hope for a new, free nation. But we all know how the story goes, and our freedom wasn’t easily won. It was fought for, and has since been, maintained by men and women who have taken on the duty of preserving our liberty. This week, we reflect on their service and thank them for their sacrifice.

One of the most profound Veterans Day speeches was given by President Ronald Reagan in his Veterans Day address from Arlington National Cemetery in 1985. He said, “It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives — the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember.”

This is the price of freedom: lives, goals, dreams forfeited by men and women who chose to fight for something greater than themselves. The moment we forget the price of freedom is a grave day for our country. And it’s never something we should settle quietly into. We should always remember that each one of us today and tomorrow must choose to preserve liberty, support our service members, and recognize the sacrifices they make.

This week, in the vote to reopen the government from the nearly forty-three-day shutdown, I also cast my vote for funding our Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. Each year, Congress passes numerous pieces of legislation dedicated to funding our national defense, but this week, voting to bolster our nation’s defense capabilities and support our veterans by fully funding the health care and benefits they have earned in the line of duty was especially meaningful. Additionally, this legislation protects our veterans’ Second Amendment rights and implements historic heath record tech modernization to improve care, speed, and access.

This weekend, my hope is that you join me in taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable men and women who chose to sacrifice everything so we may live in a free and prosperous nation. I am immensely grateful and proud of every Arkansan who has served in the line of duty and I will continue to fight for them in Congress to ensure they receive the benefits they have earned.

If you or someone you know is having trouble with the VA, the Social Security Administration or any other federal agency, please visit my website at Westerman.house.gov or contact my Hot Springs office at (501) 609-9796. My office is here to help, and we stand ready to be of service to you.

 

November 7, 2025

The rural landscape that makes up a large portion of the Fourth District of Arkansas is a hallmark of our great state. From the beautiful hills of the Ozarks to the Arkansas River Valley to the forests and farmlands in the south you will be hard-pressed to find a corner of the Natural State that is not worth a visit. However, the beauty of these areas comes with a cost, creating distinct challenges for our rural communities when accessing urban areas and vital resources like health care.

This week, I had the wonderful privilege of meeting with the American Ambulance Association to discuss the critical role our EMS system plays as a lifeline for rural communities accessing vital health care. In an emergency, our first responders are on the frontlines to answer the call of duty, ensuring those who may not have easy access to healthcare providers with the confidence and assurance they need to know that they can get help when they need it.

Earlier this year, House Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cut Act, also known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, that then passed the Senate and was signed into law. Within it were several legislative wins that champion our rural communities, and it is exciting to see these initiatives begin to take shape.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was included in the bill and is a big win for rural America – creating a fund for $50 billion that will go directly toward our nation’s rural health care systems. The funding formula is simple, one half of the fund will be distributed equally among the states, and the other half of the fund will be awarded through competitive grants to fund innovative programs to states who are innovating in rural healthcare.  As is true with many issue areas, good policy is best crafted at the state level. There is no good, one-size-fits-all solution for all 50 states and territories when it comes to health care, as each state has its own distinct needs. Through the RHTP, states can apply for grants that will fund more tailored, specific solutions that effectively address urgent community needs.

As states submitted their final RHTP applications to the Administration last week, I was proud to work alongside my Arkansas delegation colleagues in the House and Senate and the Governor’s office to provide extra support during this process. The money received through this request will go directly to our rural programs that need it most, like providing maternal health care, nutrition assistance, and reducing inefficiencies in our health care system brought on by issues like outdated technology and staffing shortages.

Legacy isn’t always what you leave behind; it’s what you set in motion. And this program is set to create a lasting legacy across The Natural State. Furthermore, it is an investment in Arkansas’ future and a path forward for a custom health care system tailored to benefit and serve our communities. It is common sense to let the local experts manage the challenges they know best, which is why I am excited to have worked to get this provision into the bill and to see how Arkansas will use it to benefit all who use the healthcare system in the Natural State.

October 31, 2025

The deadline is fast approaching for Congress to reauthorize surface transportation legislation, with the current bill expiring on September 30, 2026. Regular, continued reauthorization of our nation’s surface transportation programs is integral to maintaining the safety and integrity of our local infrastructure. Without essential repairs and improvements, our roadways and bridges will continue to take on more wear and tear, leading to major issues down the road.

Serving on the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee and as Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, the work we do in both committees goes hand-in-glove for ensuring that our nation can build and move forward with these essential projects. And at the center of it all is the need for permitting reform.
The bipartisan SPEED Act, which I introduced in June, cuts through the red tape of our current federal permitting process, streamlining it to enable America to build again. Through my work on the Natural Resources Committee, I’ve seen how the permitting process places serious restrictions on our ability to produce crucial energy infrastructure, and as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how the permitting process stifles innovation and production as it relates to necessary infrastructure, like the I-49 construction that stretches across the Fourth District.

Recently, I attended the I-49 Arkansas River Bridge groundbreaking. Tree-clearing and site preparation began in 2022 for this project, but full bridge construction could not proceed for nearly two years while the agency awaited final environmental and Section 404 water-crossing permits, leaving cleared areas idle until those approvals were issued. This is a prime example of permitting delay holding up a project that will eventually bring greater access to jobs, hospitals, and a thriving economy to all of Arkansas and the surrounding states.

Not only is it imperative that we reopen the government and get back to governing through regular order, but we must hit the ground running to tackle permitting reform and work on Surface Transportation Reauthorization that benefits Arkansans and Americans alike.

As a district that is made up largely of rural communities, connection is key. Without updated road repairs and bridges, our friends and neighbors in these areas will experience greater difficulty accessing health care, shopping for groceries, and reaching other essential services.

To rectify our bloated bureaucratic budget, T&I Committee Republicans are ready to go back to the basics by placing the focus on our most fundamental infrastructure needs. A commonsense, key element to securing this vision is to continue empowering states to make the best judgment call on their individual needs while limiting bureaucratic overreach and the morass of federal red tape.

For a better future for the Natural State, investing in our roads, bridges, and transportation systems is an investment in our state’s economy and the thousands of Arkansans who rely on this industry for well-paying jobs. Investing in our state’s infrastructure also reduces the headaches of years-long projects and restores reliability for our nation’s transportation industry.

It’s time for Congress to get back to work and create solutions, not play partisan games that place the burden on American taxpayers. As we get back to business, I look forward to working in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and in Congress to ensure government overreach is streamlined and reigned in, commonsense surface transportation reauthorization legislation is passed, and vital infrastructure projects are completed in a timely manner.

October 27, 2025

Serving as the only licensed forester in Congress provides many unique opportunities to work on legislation that brings a commonsense and conservative approach to forest management across the nation. Additionally, it is a great privilege to serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. In this committee, the stewardship of our public lands remains a top priority for all its members, and this week, great steps were made to push our committee’s Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) closer to the finish line and the President’s desk to be signed into law.

The House Natural Resources Committee is a legislative workhorse in the 119th Congress, having successfully passed more bills out of the House than any other committee in the lower chamber. This achievement speaks acutely to the fantastic staff and my colleagues on the dais who work tirelessly to create legislation from streamlining the permitting process to working with our 574 federally recognized Indian tribes to improve self-determination policies. But at the heart of nearly every hearing, markup, and bill is the importance of protecting and maintaining our public lands.

From coast to coast, our nation is blessed with incredible, beautiful forests, and it is our duty to be good stewards of these resources so we can pass our blessings to future generations. The Fix Our Forests Act can be the catalyst for better forest management, resulting in the prevention and mitigation of uncontrollable wildfires. As the first bill passed out of the House in the 119th Congress, my committee continues to cheer for its progress while it makes its way through the Senate.

As is standard whenever legislation passes over from one chamber to the other, a group of bipartisan Senators introduced their version of FOFA in April, where it has been awaiting markup in the House Ag Committee, led by Senator Boozman, until this week. It was exciting to sit in on the hearing where various amendments and proposals to the legislation were discussed. One such change is from the House version’s legal claims limit of 120 days to the Senate’s establishment of 150 days. Ultimately, the bill was passed and is now on its way to the Senate floor for a final vote.

While few changes were made, it was encouraging to see that the basic framework we started with in the House remains the same. I am grateful for the work my friend and fellow Arkansan, Senator Boozman, has done in the Senate on behalf of this vital piece of legislation, and for providing the opportunity to have been involved in the discussions on the proposed changes.

It’s time for better forest management practices on the ground – not only in Arkansas, but across the hundreds of millions of federal forests across the United States. With Senate passage, those who constantly face the dangers of wildfires and communities who rely on the forest products industry to provide for their families will be much better protected, see greater restoration of forest health, and receive much-needed help for protecting the communities located in wildland urban interfaces.

October 17, 2025

Dyslexia may be the most common learning disability, but it unfortunately remains misunderstood in many parts of the country. This learning disability should never be a roadblock for students’ success in the classroom; however, the lack of public awareness further hinders early diagnoses, preventing our students from receiving the tools they need to succeed early in their educational journey. Thankfully, great efforts are being made on the state level in Arkansas to ensure our students with learning disabilities can receive the help they need for a better, more inclusive learning environment.

Early in my years of public service, I had the privilege of serving as school board president. That, combined with my understanding of education as the husband of a teacher, deepened my comprehension of dyslexia, growing my desire to provide accessible resources for educators who could support students with dyslexia. During my service in the Arkansas legislature, we were proudly able to lay the groundwork for changes in the Natural State.

As co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I now have the opportunity 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. This week, it was a privilege to introduce a Resolution recognizing October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month in addition to signing on as a cosponsor for the 21st Century Dyslexia Act. This legislation underscores the need for a modern-day, scientific understanding of this learning disability in order to prevent the harm that unidentified dyslexia can inflict on our young students.

Education policy is always best handled at the state and local level, but the federal government can help with research, bringing focus to an issue, and sharing best practices. Efforts to expand and streamline training and schooling for dyslexia therapists are greatly encouraging to see, as schools across the Natural State face a growing need for trained professionals. The University of Arkansas recently announced its partnership with the Academic Language Therapy Association and the Nelms Dyslexia Center to create a new master’s degree pathway for those looking to pursue a career in academic language therapy. This new avenue allows Arkansans who are pursuing a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) certification to also earn university credit, creating a more affordable and streamlined path for their credentials process.

True change and progress for all learning disabilities will only come from the continued advocacy, awareness, and commitment to resources that lead to a greater understanding of helping individuals succeed in learning, and I extend my deepest thanks to the tireless advocates in Arkansas who lead the charge in this pursuit. While millions of students experience the hurdles of dyslexia, my hope is that we continue to gain a deeper understanding of this learning disability in order to foster a more inclusive, supportive, and modern-day learning environment for all students.

October 13, 2025

Providing timely, effective assistance to the folks across the Fourth District of Arkansas dealing with federal agencies is a central duty of serving as a representative in Congress. Although the federal government may be shut down, my offices in Washington, DC, and across Arkansas remain open and ready to assist.

While a lapse in appropriations creates issues for federal agencies, core programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the VA, and passport services are operational. This is why, spanning the Fourth District from the River Valley to the southwest corner of the Delta, we are staffed with the best caseworkers in the state, ready and able to assist with any problems you may be facing. No matter what your federal issue may be, these caseworkers are experts in their area, and all constituents are encouraged to seek them out for assistance.

Although sometimes the outcome may not be as favorable as originally hoped, having a friendly hand to help navigate is always appreciated. Federal issues can certainly be tedious, but when we are fortunate to receive the good news that your issue has been resolved, our staff is eager to celebrate right alongside you.

Just this week, our office received exciting news from a constituent in Redfield who said, “After being laid off, I discovered my severance had been miscalculated – short nearly $70,000. After multiple weeks of frustration trying to get help through the FDA, I finally reached out to [my Representative]. Congressman Bruce Westerman’s office jumped on it immediately. Thanks to his team’s persistence, the error was corrected, and today I got the email from FDA I’d been waiting for.”

Stories like these are an encouraging reminder that at the heart of Team Westerman and the office of the Fourth Congressional District is service, first and foremost. It is a blessing to have fantastic caseworkers who not only jump at the opportunity to help their friends and neighbors, but continue walking through the issues with each constituent until the very end – hopefully getting the opportunity to celebrate each win and positive outcome.

If you find that you are facing challenges with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my Hot Springs office at (501) 609-9796. It cannot be expressed enough how much of an honor it is to represent the Fourth District of Arkansas. Taking care of constituents is a responsibility not taken lightly, and it is encouraging to know that our office is well-equipped to serve and assist in any way possible.

October 6, 2025

Traveling across our great state to connect with the hardworking Arkansans who contribute to powering our economy is one of the greatest privileges of representing the Fourth District in Congress. The ability to have hands-on, engaging conversations with constituents not only allows me to understand how I can better serve them in Congress, but also serves as a reminder that Arkansas’ greatest strength is the grit and dedication of its people. Celebrating National Manufacturing Day this week is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the proud manufacturers who keep our state and nation moving forward.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the Fourth District of Arkansas leads the state in manufacturing and even ranks as the 88th largest manufacturing district out of all 435 districts nationwide. Responsible for employing 47,300 Arkansans and contributing $27 billion to our state’s economy, there is no question that this integral industry remains foundational to the success of our great state.

From food processors to defense suppliers, Arkansas manufacturers are responsible for feeding our families, supporting our communities, and bolstering our national security. As we reflect on the importance of this industry, we must also look toward the future needs of such a great contributor to our economy, the hurdles it may face, and how those obstacles that slow its growth and innovation can be overcome.

After introducing the SPEED Act this summer, a piece of legislation aimed at streamlining our permitting process so that America and our manufacturers can start building again, endorsements from across the country came flooding in, proving what we already know: when America can build, America wins. The National Association of Manufacturers, who understand the importance of cutting federal red tape and reducing costly, time-consuming delays, was eager to provide its support. By breaking through the morass of bureaucratic mismanagement, we can ensure our manufacturers can expand and complete their facilities in a timely manner, effectively enabling the United States to increase its competitiveness on the global stage.

When America builds, America is strong. Our manufacturers undoubtedly contribute to the strength of our great nation, and it is a privilege to advocate for and represent a district where manufacturing is such a cornerstone of Arkansas’ success.

 

 

OFFICE LOCATIONS:

Washington, DC
209 Cannon House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3772 | Fax: (202) 225-1314

El Dorado
101 N. Washington Ave., Suite 406
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-8946
Fax: (870) 864-8958
Hot Springs
101 Reserve St., Suite 200
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: (501) 609-9796
Fax: (501) 609-9887
Ozark
211 W. Commercial St.
Ozark, AR 72949
Phone: (479) 667-0075
Fax: (501) 609-9887
Pine Bluff
100 E. 8th Ave., Room 2521
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Phone: (870) 536-8178
Fax: (870) 536-8364