Weekly Columns

The current federal permitting process hamstrings every corner of American life. Everything from gravel road repairs to simple agricultural maintenance and large-scale industrial projects are smothered under the weight of this cumbersome process. Once a powerhouse for innovation, expansion, and production, the United States is now severely lacking in the resources needed to push necessary production across the finish line – being cut off at the knees by senseless, bureaucratic red tape.

Americans, and certainly Arkansans, are no strangers to adversity. In our most challenging times, folks across Arkansas have always been courageous, shown sincere determination and grit, and come together in order to emerge more united and stronger than we were before. Last week’s storms certainly brought adversity and uncertainty, and it was encouraging to see the state come together to provide relief and help to friends and neighbors.

The American Dream has lived in the hearts and minds of Americans for countless generations – the idea that your class or your past does not define you or determine your value and that your success can be achieved through hard work and dedication – not the family you were born into or even your past. 

Warmer weather, longer days, and budding trees. All signs that spring has arrived in Arkansas and across the country. Many of our students across the state are likely enjoying the final days of a restful break from school, as Spring Break wraps up at the end of this week. 

Our great state is home to beautiful rolling hills and scenic, winding highways. There’s also certainly an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, as well. After all, they don’t call it the Natural State for nothing. But this abundance of vast natural beauty also means that our state isn’t made up of big cities with sky high buildings and a bustling city life. No, Arkansas is largely made up of rural communities. These rural communities we call home provide opportunities for a way of life unavailable in the big cities but cherished by most who have experienced it.

Under the new Administration, illegal border crossings have never been lower. However, the aftermath of incredibly loose border security policies has created a mess that now needs to be cleaned up. Under numerous Executive Orders, our border security measures have been tightened, securing communities near the border and across the United States. In step with these measures, the House Committee on Natural Resources is producing legislation that will protect our lands and expand Border Patrol’s access in wilderness areas.

For the sake of both the environment and the economy, Congress must advance common sense Endangered Species Act (ESA) reforms that return power to private landowners while simultaneously protecting endangered species in a responsible way. Weaponization of the ESA and its morass of red tape are impeding our ability to move forward on vital land management practices and even building important and necessary infrastructure, all in the name of environmental activism that’s actually doing more environmental harm than good.

Congress currently has a unique opportunity, through the reconciliation process, to align both the House and the Senate on an agreed upon budget which will ultimately allow Congress to pass legislation that supports an America First agenda. As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, there are numerous opportunities to engage in this process.