Weekly Columns
You’ll be hard pressed to read many headlines on American infrastructure, and I doubt most of us think about it on a regular basis. Yet our infrastructure is what keeps us moving, from the roads we drive to the waterways that transport goods. Without it, our economy would immediately cease to function. As we rebuild after COVID-19, a reliable infrastructure is absolutely necessary.
As a father of four and a former school board member, I understand the importance of education and its value to the community. I also understand the severity of COVID-19 and how we must take every precaution to slow its spread and keep Americans safe. With another school year quickly approaching, we are faced with a difficult question: should we reopen schools?
These days, we could all use some good news coming out of Washington, D.C. I'm excited to report that on July 15, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis. The bill now heads to the House floor for a vote later this month.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” These opening words of the First Amendment are foundational to American law and society. As a congressman, it’s my constitutional duty to oppose any law that would infringe on an American’s right to practice their religion.
When you think about the Fourth of July, you likely think about memories of grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, spending the afternoon on the lake, hosting a backyard barbeque with friends or watching fireworks. This year, I hope you also take time to think about all that the day represents and the incredible freedoms we enjoy in America.
On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court handed down a ruling in the case of Bostock v. Clayton County. It’s a landmark decision, for several reasons. In their majority opinion, six justices wrote that sexual orientation and gender identity fell under the protections of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1975.
With COVID-19 taking up so much of the news cycle, it can be easy to forget about those living with debilitating illnesses like ALS. Even as scientists continue researching a coronavirus vaccine and working to make the impact as small as possible on America, I believe we need to continue providing cutting-edge treatment and medications to those with chronic illnesses.
Some people say we’re products of our environment. I only hope that’s true for me. I’ve been blessed to spend my whole life here in the Natural State, hunting, fishing and enjoying the beauty of our wildlife. Since June is National Great Outdoors Month, I encourage you to use this time to explore new parks, lakes or hiking trails with friends and family.
Regulations and safety precautions surrounding COVID-19 had a dramatic impact on the U.S. economy. Millions of Americans lost their jobs, and Arkansan small businesses had to quickly adjust to reduced hours, curbside pickup or delivery services and a smaller workforce. Now, as states reopen, we are all watching to see what happens next.
Millions of small businesses across America have been impacted by COVID-19, and Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to assist them through the crisis. As of May 23, 40,329 Arkansas businesses had received a total of $3,286,789,662 in PPP funds. These businesses have been able to use the forgivable loans to maintain payroll, cover operating expenses and more.