Weekly Columns
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. As the heart of America’s woodbasket, Arkansas is covered by 19 million acres of forestland that provides not only scenic beauty, clean air and water, wildlife habitats, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, but is also a major economic driver.
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. A midnight ruling proved that this administration has no desire to work toward American energy dominance as a ban on oil and gas production in more than 600 million acres of federal waters was announced earlier this week.
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. However, there is an equally important role to play while elected to such a position: taking care of the needs of the people represented back home in their everyday lives, through casework and other needed assistance.
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. Many of you can agree that while there were definite moments of uncertainty, our nation, and the American people, charged forward with strength and a resiliency that can only be defined as the American Spirit.
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). House Republicans continue to deliver on their promise to the American people to increase border security, bolster national defense, deter global adversaries, support Israel, and provide the support necessary to improve the lives of our servicemembers and their families.
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!