Weekly Columns

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 20-26, 2020 as National Small Business Week. "Our nation's more than 30 million small businesses, which employ nearly half the private-sector workforce and create two-thirds of all net new jobs, are the key to propelling our economy to the prosperity levels America has enjoyed over the past three years," the president wrote.

As wildfires burn across the West, many Americans have lost their loved ones, their homes and all their possessions. My prayers are with everyone who has been displaced or who is heroically fighting the fires, and I hope these blazes are quickly contained.

When COVID-19 hit the U.S. early this year, about one-third of Americans began working from home to limit contact with others and slow the spread of the virus. However, many people still had to keep their businesses operating in order to keep essential infrastructure in place. Because of their work, we could consistently rely on stocked grocery store shelves and a functioning supply chain.

With more and more people headed back to schools, universities and workplaces, we need a comprehensive plan to mitigate COVID-19 more than ever. In fact, we already have the technology for widespread, at-home testing. Why is it not more available?

If you turn on the news, you'll likely hear someone talking about the Post Office. Let's look at the facts. Speaker Pelosi allowed negotiations on another COVID-19 relief bill to stall in Congress, but she called a so-called "emergency session" of Congress to vote on legislation to fund the Post Office.

Many businesses are still operating at limited capacity, with fewer staff or entirely remote work. In my offices, we've taken every precaution to ensure staff members' safety, but we are all still ready and able to help you with any issues you may be having with the federal government.

Arkansas is home to 2 million acres of national forest, a national park, America's very first national river and several national wildlife refuges. I've made countless memories in these and other parks across the country, which is why I was glad to see President Trump sign the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law on Aug. 4. This bill marks the single greatest investment into U.S.

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.