Weekly Columns
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. With rising economic costs, Americans, especially those living in rural areas like the Fourth District of Arkansas, are unable to afford the financial and logistical challenges that come with this forced push.
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.
The opportunity to represent the Fourth District of Arkansas is an honor and privilege that I do not take lightly. My time spent across the district allows me to meet with the men and women who make up the heart of our nation, and their stories and struggles only fuel my desire to serve them and our district well in Congress. While I certainly find my time spent with these Arkansans to be the highlight of my time in the district, I also enjoy any opportunity I can get to take in Arkansas’ natural beauty – and we are certainly blessed to have an abundance of it!
As we head into the weekend, I hope you will join me in reflecting on the service and sacrifice our veterans have made to preserve the liberties we enjoy today. The men and women who boldly embraced the call of duty, knowingly heading straight toward conflict instead of shying away from it, are deserving of our thanks and gratitude not only on Veterans Day, but every day.
Farmers are the backbone of the American economy. The food we eat, the clothes on our backs, and even the heat that keeps our homes warm can all be traced back to the products of our natural resources and the hard work of our farmers, ranchers, and other rural Americans. Agriculture roots run deep in the heart of Arkansas, which is why I always look forward to spending time traveling across the Fourth District to hear from the men and women who cultivate and steward the bountiful land we’ve been given.
The Biden-Harris administration has continued to convey that America does not come first in their policies. Through reckless energy, mining, transportation, and regulatory policies, this administration has put a burden on Americans who are already struggling to feed and clothe their families. Last week, the Biden-Harris administration published data in the Federal Register which outlined cost figures for five residential energy sources: electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, propane, and kerosene.
Temperatures drop and the days get shorter, but Autumn in Arkansas brings a burst of red, orange, and gold as the landscape comes to life through the transformation of fall foliage. People across the country venture to our great state every year to drive along scenic Highway 7 or set up camp along the Buffalo National River to catch glimpses of the Natural State's beauty. This changing of seasons is an encouraging reminder – the oppressive summer heat never lasts forever, and beauty and newness are always just around the corner.
On Monday, we solemnly reflected on the unprovoked attack against Israel that took place one year ago. It remains difficult to put into words the evil that continues to plague the Holy Land. These attacks on Israel by Hamas show a blatant disregard for the lives of Israeli men, women, and children. Never could we have prepared ourselves for the violence and evil that has been inflicted upon so many innocent lives by Hamas terrorists. These unprovoked, barbaric, hate-filled crimes are a disgrace to humanity.
October is officially marked as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. This creates an opportunity to shed light on the most common learning disability in the United States, one that affects millions of Americans every day. Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence, but a unique way of how the brain processes language which ultimately presents challenges in reading and writing. This month is about raising awareness and advocating for the proper tools and resources needed to help those with dyslexia unlock their full potential.