Weekly Columns
The devastating wildfires in California serve as a reminder that we must change course and implement sound forest management practices to help prevent future catastrophic wildfires. This week, I was proud of the strong bipartisan support for the Fix Our Forests Act, a bill I introduced that passed the House by a vote of 279-141.
To many, forestry is simply viewed as the trees planted in someone’s backyard, shade during an outdoor activity, or nature’s greatest indicator of the changing of the seasons. But for Arkansans, forestry is a way of life.
After four years of countless blows to American energy production, the Biden administration has once again proven that they have no interest in putting our country and our national security first.
Serving friends and neighbors across the Fourth District of Arkansas in the halls of Congress through drafting and voting on legislation is a great honor, and certainly a major role that Members of Congress play as elected officials.
It’s impossible to enter the holiday season, and ultimately the end of the year, without pausing to reflect on the trials and triumphs throughout the past twelve months. Constituents across the Fourth District have felt the weight of increasing gas prices, grocery and electric bills, the impacts of natural disasters, and continued federal overreach.
Throughout the 118th Congress, it was a privilege to introduce legislation with direct impacts to Arkansas and the Fourth District. This week, it was exciting to see many of those bills pass the Senate – an early Christmas gift to AR-04!
While we ready ourselves for the end of another year with a new Congress on the horizon, make no mistake that there is still much work to be done. This week, the House voted to pass the Servicemember and Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25 NDAA).
Throughout the tenure of the current Administration, President Biden has promoted the unrealistic, and frankly inane, “EV Revolution.” The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) de facto EV mandate, requiring two-thirds of all new vehicles be electric in less than ten years, was tone deaf at best, impossible at worst.
Thanksgiving, and the holiday season, is a time to spend with friends, family, and neighbors to reflect on the moments from the past year for which we should be thankful. Across the country, loved ones come together, gathering around a table often piled high with delicious turkey, side dishes from recipes passed down through generations, and flavorful pies and desserts.
It is impossible to reflect upon the past year – and the end of the 118th Congress – without first speaking of what a tremendous honor it is to serve the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas. An honor that cannot be taken lightly or for granted.