Weekly Columns
In an incredible testament to American innovation and ingenuity, we now have a vaccine for COVID-19 that is headed to every state. President Trump and the administration's Operation Warp Speed backed our brightest scientists, and they developed, tested and produced a safe and effective vaccine in record time. It's encouraging to see some light at the end of a very long year.
This is the season of giving, and many of us have an opportunity to personally give back to those recovering from COVID-19. Blood donations have plummeted during the pandemic, and the Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) is in desperate need of donations, especially convalescent plasma to save the lives of those in critical condition due to COVID-19.
I'm so pleased to let you know that on December 3, my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives selected me as the next Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources. All my life, I've been passionate about natural resources.
One of the things I love most about serving in public office is the ability to honor incredible heroes who live and work in our communities. Just a few weeks ago, I learned that one of these people, Mr. Fred Randle, was a long-time Hot Springs resident who was part of Merrill's Marauders during WWII.
I am pleased to inform you that starting this Veterans Day on Nov. 11, and lasting indefinitely, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has granted military veterans and Gold Star families free access to national parks and wildlife refuges, as well as lands and waters managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Ever since I was elected to Congress, I've served on the House Committee on Natural Resources. This committee oversees public land management, water resources, critical minerals and more. It also has jurisdiction over wildlife management, something that I am particularly interested in as an avid sportsman.
Our freedom isn't free. It is fought for and earned by our veterans, and we owe each of them our thanks. This year on Veteran's Day, I encourage you to take time and thank the veterans in your life for their service to America. I'm honored to have several family members who have served, including my grandfather, Andrew Westerman, who fought in World War II.
It's no secret that spending time outdoors in Arkansas is an integral part of my life. Fishing in Lake Ouachita, rafting in the Ozarks, early morning duck hunting – these are memories that last forever. Much of this happens on Arkansas' 2 million acres of public land, which is managed by the Department of the Interior (DOI).
If you've ever spent any time with me, you'll know that I'm passionate about sound environmental policy. As a licensed forester and lifelong resident of the Natural State, I believe we have an unchosen obligation to steward our resources well and leave the world in better condition than we found it.
Every year I take a few days to thank some of the many men and women who work in Arkansas agriculture. This year in particular highlighted how important agriculture is to the economy and our daily lives. Without farmers and ranchers continuing to run operations during COVID-19, we wouldn't have had food on our shelves or meat in the freezer.