WEEK IN REVIEW
.JPG) To start off this week's From the Front... I would like to thank the Arkansans who stopped by my Washington office during their visit to our nation’s capital. It was a very busy week in Washington with lots of meetings and a big vote that kept our government open and guaranteed additional resources to secure our border.
I started off the week meeting with the Chief Statistician of the U.S. to learn more about their data collection methods and work. We also discussed the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metropolitan Statistical Area and the growing Northwest Arkansas region. I then met with Lieutenant General Jay Silveria who serves as the United States Air Force Academy Superintendent to discuss the importance of U.S. Military Academies and their work to train and educate the next generation of service members.
 On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with many Arkansans and discuss a range of issues. Brandy Dailey, a constituent from Lincoln, AR, stopped in to talk about her work for the Council for Opportunities in Education. Brandy overcame many challenges growing up and is interested in helping others through work to prevent domestic violence and human trafficking. We had a great conversation about the Federal TRiO Program, which provides educational support and resources for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Brandy has a personal connection to the program and she discussed how the resources, including academic tutoring, personal counseling, and mentoring, helped her reach her full potential and transform her life.
I then had the pleasure of meeting Special Olympian and AR-3 resident, Stephanie Price, and members of Special Olympics Arkansas! Stephanie is a remarkable athlete who has run marathons and won gold medals. We talked about her love of competing and health advocacy. I appreciated hearing the firsthand impact this important program has had on her life.
.JPG) Representatives from NorthWest Arkansas Community College were in Washington and it was great to hear updates on their programs, including the work they are doing to help students learn and prepare for their future careers. They have invested in Career Technical Education (CTE), which has contributed to the success of many of their students. Before our meeting started, I was called out and told to show my challenge coin! Of course I had it on me--you know what that meant: push-ups for my challenger! NWACC’s Joe Spivey was a good sport and delivered the necessary push-ups! This Colonel is always prepared! I thank Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, Chuck Jorgenson, Jim Hall, Diane Hall, Joe Spivey, Deanne Witherspoon, and Rachel Harris for their time.
I also had the opportunity to talk taxes with leaders from the Acting Local Taxpayer Advocate for Arkansas. I then wrapped up the day by meeting with the Deputy United States Trade Representative, Ambassador C.J. Mahoney, to talk about trade policy.
.JPG) On Wednesday, I attended an Appropriations Committee hearing entitled “U.S. Military Service Academies Overview.” The event provided congressional members with information related to service academy goals, challenges, and priorities. Witnesses included Lieutenant General Darryl A. Williams (Superintendent, United States Military Academy), Vice Admiral Walter E. "Ted" Carter Jr. (Superintendent, United States Naval Academy), and Lieutenant General Jay B. Silveria (Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy).
Participants discussed a range of issues, including academy recruitment, education standards and curriculums, new training and cyber security initiatives, student safety and sexual assault issues, how the academies are supporting national defense goals, and what Congress can do to better support these institutions. When speaking at the hearing, I asked about minority and female recruitment initiatives, resources related to school infrastructure challenges, and the culture of service and pride the academies inspire. As Chairman of the U.S. Military Academy Board of Visitors and Appropriations Committee member, I appreciated hearing from these leaders and will continue working to support the young men and women who want to serve.
 I then discussed issues related to America’s highway, water, and energy infrastructure with representatives from the American Composites Manufacturers Association, including members from Fort Smith and Van Buren. Our region is rapidly growing, and strong infrastructure will be critical to supporting businesses and residents in the area.
I finished the night with the Arkansas National Guard! It was great to hear about their work with Guatemala through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. This initiative supports U.S. military training and strengthens our diplomatic ties.
My last meeting for the week was with Renee Hoover (Administrator of the Arkansas Emergency Telephone Services Board) and Robert McGowen (Administrator for Public Safety of Benton County). Most 911 systems were originally built using analog rather than digital technologies--public safety systems across the country need to be modernized. They provided an update on how the transition to these new systems is going in Arkansas, and I was glad to hear from them.
FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT, BORDER SECURITY
Yesterday, I voted to pass a package of bipartisan appropriations bills that will support the safety, security, and prosperity of the U.S. With this vote, Congress fulfilled its constitutional duty and fully funded the federal government. While not perfect—as no compromise is—this deal prevented another costly shutdown and confronted resistance to securing the southern border. It delivers more resources to secure our border, support our law enforcement agents, and keep America’s communities safe. Importantly, it also gives us a stronger base to work from in the next fiscal year. I am pleased that President Trump signed the package into law today.
Some highlights of the bill include:
- Securing $22.5 billion for overall border security efforts, including border barriers, border technology, personnel, and ICE detention beds
- Providing $1.375 billion for 55 miles of new physical barriers to secure the southern border
- Increasing immigration judges to reduce immigration case backlog
- Enhancing border security technology to combat human and drug trafficking
- Supporting ICE enforcement, apprehension, and detention efforts
- Strengthening resources to combat terrorists, drug traffickers, and gang activity
Our work to fully secure the border is not finished, but this legislation was a needed step in right direction. I will continue to support a strong, safe, and secure southern border. Additionally, a full list of legislation considered this week can be found here.
I’m currently headed back to the district and look forward to being back in the Natural State next week. Wishing everyone a happy President’s Day on Monday, as we recognize all those who have served in our nation's highest office. Remember to keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the Third District and Washington.
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