Weekly Columns
I recently introduced two bipartisan bills to ensure veterans exposed to Agent Orange while serving their country during the Vietnam War-era receive the benefits they were promised and have earned. Upon retirement, many Vietnam War-era veterans stationed in Vietnam and Thailand were denied certain health benefits despite a clear connection between their time in service, the herbicides used during their service, and their subsequent poor health status.
This week, I had the honor of hosting a group of Keystone XL Pipeline, agriculture, steel, energy, and construction workers to discuss the true cost of President Biden's energy policies. Recently, President Biden cancelled the Keystone XL Pipeline permit and oil and gas leasing on federal lands, which put thousands of people instantly out of work and deprived our economy of a major investment-- all with the stroke of a pen. These men and women shared their stories on how the cancellation has affected them and their families personally, and their industries financially.
Above all else, my duty as an elected official and a member of Congress is to uphold and protect the Constitution. That is why I strongly opposed the two gun control bills that Democrats pushed through the House of Representatives this week. These bills directly limit Americans' constitutional right to bear arms as specified in the Second Amendment.
A study by Harvard University found that one-third of Americans do not trust the integrity of the 2020 Presidential election. Their distrust is a call for action, and it is our responsibility to restore confidence in our voting systems.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance for how schools can reopen safely, making President Biden's stated goal of reopening all K-12 schools to five days a week by the end of April a reality. The science has been clear that schools are of low risk to spread Coronavirus, and studies have shown that there are serious consequences of virtual learning to children's mental, emotional, and academic well-being.
As we cross the one-year mark in fighting the global Coronavirus pandemic, we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to the great work of Operation Warp Speed, we have multiple safe and effective vaccines available to the public. I encourage everyone to take the vaccine once it becomes available.
Last week, John Kerry, President Biden's climate czar, showed how out of touch he is with hard-working Americans. When asked about the inevitable job losses that will follow President Biden's Executive Order on energy production, he suggested that those working in fossil fuel industries today shouldn't feel badly about losing their jobs because they would simply have to learn to "make the solar panels." Shortly thereafter, a statement he made in 2019 while traveling to Iceland by private jet came to light.
Since the Supreme Court made Roe v. Wade the law of the land in 1973, more than 61 million babies have lost their lives through legal abortions. This atrocity has gone on long enough. Life is the most basic right of every man and woman created in the image of God and the first right guaranteed in our Declaration of Independence.
As the men and women of the Arkansas National Guard return to their homes, they can be proud of the incredible service they provided to our country. After the U.S. Capitol was attacked on January 6, 2021, 500 Arkansans answered the call to protect Washington, D.C., and the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris.
As I reflect on the past few weeks, the word "division" continually comes to my mind. Every American can sense the profound, deep division that separates our country. Divisions can be felt not only in Washington D.C., but also in our communities and places where division should not be, such as among churches, friends, and family.
We hear division repeated in the news and splashed across headlines, and it is easy to become discouraged. We must work hard for civil discourse for the sake of our nation. We must win with resolve, better ideas, strong messages, and demonstrated results.