Reflecting on 2020

None of us could have foreseen what 2020 held. It's been a difficult year, filled with unexpected challenges. Yet through it all, I've been so impressed by the resilience of Arkansans and the ways we've come together and supported our communities. That is the beauty of America, and I believe it's why we have reasons to be grateful even after a hard few months.

Any attempt to recap this year must first start with a "thank you" to all our essential workers. Health care professionals, first responders, grocery store clerks, farmers, truck drivers, mail carriers, processing plant workers, and many others – you all saved lives, kept our shelves stocked, protected our neighborhoods, and kept showing up for your jobs day after day. Thank you for your faithful service to millions of people throughout the year.

Even though the pandemic limited in-person visits, I was still able to meet and visit with many of you via Zoom or other online platforms. It's a blessing to have this technology to still keep us connected! I also traveled around the district over the summer to thank some of the everyday heroes who kept us going during the shutdowns, and I got to hold my annual farm tour where I visited with some of our incredible agriculture workers.

Back in D.C., I got to work on some important legislation that directly impacts Arkansas. The Trillion Trees Act, which I introduced in March, will incentivize the use of wood products as carbon sequestration devices, as well as plant 1 trillion trees globally by 2050. The Fair Care Act is another significant piece of legislation that I've been working on for several years, and I introduced the second version of the bill in October. It draws on conversations that I've had with many of you, and would give Americans greater choice in their health care decisions at a lower cost. U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the same bill in the Senate.

As we look forward to 2021, I'm grateful for the promise of a vaccine and hope on the horizon. I hope you have a blessed Christmas season with friends and family.