Weekly Columns
Article II, Section 3, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution requires the President of the United States to “give to the Congress Information on the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” Since 1913, this annual event has been called the State of the Union Address, and on February 7th, President Joe Biden will come to the Capitol and deliver his second State of the Union Address to me and my colleagues.
This week, for the first time in almost seven years, the House considered legislation under a modified open rule, taking us one huge step closer to restoring a truly representative government. This parliamentary process allows all members, regardless of party, to submit amendments to a bill to be openly debated on the House floor before a vote.
The United States has officially hit our $31.4 trillion debt limit. In response, the Treasury Department is embarking on “extraordinary” measures to ensure the federal government has enough money to stay afloat. Before we dig a little deeper into this, let’s get one thing clear – it was “extraordinary” and wildly irresponsible spending that got us to this point in the first place.
As you’ve seen in the news, the past couple of weeks in Washington, D.C. have been a whirlwind of excitement. After a long first week back in the Chamber, we elected Rep. Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and now the real work has begun.
As the year and the 117th Congress comes to a close, I am grateful to reflect on my time in the House of Representatives serving Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District. It is my highest honor to represent my constituents in Congress, and it is a privilege I never take for granted.
Over the past two years, the American people have endured a complete shutdown of the People’s House in a way never before seen in our lifetime. In recent months, as the threat of COVID-19 waned, the halls of Congress once again bustled with members, staff, and constituents. Hospital rates remain low and Americans are filling our airports, train stations, and highways at normal levels.
This week, the House voted on the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fund our military and defense related items in Fiscal Year 2023. This bill has been passed every year for over 60 years, and I’m glad to see that streak continue. This NDAA is focused on increasing our military readiness and empowering a robust national defense by ensuring our service men and women have the tools they need to properly protect our nation.
Next week, the House of Representatives will consider the “Respect for Marriage Act.” which aims to redefine marriage according to federal law. A Democrat controlled Congress, with the aid of some Republican senators, have brought forward an unnecessary and concerning bill to codify Obergefell v. Hodges. Proponents of the bill claim it would ensure the right to same-sex “marriage” with no intention of affecting the millions of Americans of faith who hold sincere beliefs about the sanctity of marriage.
Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who dedicated their lives and risked their safety to protect our nation and our way of life. It is one of my greatest honors as a member of Congress to meet the men and women across the Fourth District who demonstrated tremendous bravery and acts of heroism during their time of service.
This week, reports from the Energy Information Administration have caused fuel companies to sound the alarm, warning of a dire shortage of diesel in the Southeast.