Weekly Columns

Since our congressional district is so large, diverse and rural, it's often difficult for every resident to have easy access to the assistance that my district offices provide. Voicing concerns, getting help with a casework file, requesting a meeting or locating other constituent services aren't always available in your local community.

If you've ever spent time around me, you'll know it's no secret that I love talking about trees. I still remember conversations with my Sunday school teacher, Mr. Culpepper, a WWII veteran and member of the first forestry class at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

The U.S. Constitution requires that the president give a State of the Union address "from time to time," in order to inform the American people on national matters. This address has become an annual tradition, and it's always a big night on Capitol Hill as we hear directly from the president on the year behind us and what's to come.

Trade with international allies is the backbone of the American economy. Importing and exporting goods and services not only sustains millions of American jobs, but it also provides the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the cars we drive and much more. Two of our most important trading partners are our neighbors to the north and south, Canada and Mexico.

One of the most basic human rights is the right to life. It's the first right the Founding Fathers outlined in the Declaration of Independence, and it's a right men and women have fought to protect for generations. But sadly, we continue seeing many deny this right to life to millions of unborn children in America.

As the country with the second-largest GDP in the world, China continues its rise as a significant player on the global stage. Previous administrations have attempted to get China to come to the negotiating table and sign a deal, but only came to verbal agreements, which were quickly broken. Now, President Trump has put Phase 1 of a trade deal with China into place.

If you've lived in rural Arkansas for any length of time, you know that broadband connectivity is a huge issue. Something as simple as uploading a resume to a job posting or researching for a time-sensitive project can quickly be delayed by a spotty internet connection.

With a national election on the horizon and geopolitical issues at play, there's no doubt 2020 will be an interesting year. But now that 2019 is over and I'm planning out the new year, I'm really looking forward to what's in store.