Weekly Columns
Within the sacred halls of the U.S. Capitol building, statues of America’s greatest leaders stand tall to tell the stories of varied chapters in our nation’s history. This week, the Arkansas Congressional Delegation, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Speaker Mike Johnson, and others unveiled a statue of one of Arkansas’ greatest, Daisy Lee Gatson Bates. This was the first time in nearly a hundred years that a statue from the Natural State had been dedicated in the U.S. Capitol. It was an honor to witness such a remarkable occasion.
Ever since Hamas unleashed itself on Israel in October, far-left Democrats and corrupt university leaders have allowed antisemitism to overrun America's once great higher education institutions. All law and order and academic integrity have been thrown out the window as elitist, pro-Hamas student protest groups continue setting up 'Gaza Solidarity' encampments at their schools to protest Israel's right to protect itself from terrorism.
Roughly six months after the brutal attacks by the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists, the world watched as Iran launched its own direct and unprecedented attack on Israel. As our closest ally in the Middle East faces more threats to their very existence, it’s important now more than ever that Congress stands up to authoritarian aggression to support Israel.
Arkansas is known as the Natural State for a reason. It's a world-class destination for all who love to bike, rock climb, hunt, fish, hike, and more. Outdoor recreation is more than just a pastime here; it's part of our heritage. As an Arkansan, my profound love for our lands and outdoor recreation has been foundational in my role as Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee.
Constituent services is my top priority as Representative for Arkansas' Fourth Congressional District. I understand that seeking federal assistance can be challenging and even frustrating at times; that's why Team Westerman is equipped with highly skilled caseworkers who know how to help Arkansans who may be experiencing delays or lack of response from a federal agency. While they may not be able to guarantee you a favorable outcome, they will do their best to ensure you receive a fair and timely response to the problem you may be facing.
The countdown is officially on for the Great North American Eclipse. On April 8th, the sun, moon, and earth will align perfectly for a Total Solar Eclipse, and Arkansas is the prime location to view it. The path of totality will stretch over 100 miles across 53 counties in the Natural States, including a handful of major cities in Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District: Texarkana, Russellville, and Murfreesboro.
In 1972, Congress enacted the Clean Water Act to support clean water, healthy communities, and industries throughout our economy. When farmers and ranchers, builders, and manufacturers obtain a permit to start a project, the Clean Water Act is meant to serve as a tool to protect clean water for our nation. Unfortunately, over the years, the federal government has weaponized the Clean Water Act to delay, stall, or block permits for critical energy, transportation infrastructure, and other commercial projects.
As social media becomes more integral to our daily lives, the need for security to protect Americans from foreign adversaries online has become increasingly prevalent. Bad actors, like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), have taken advantage of the growing U.S. footprint online by utilizing Chinese-owned apps, like TikTok, to target, surveil, and manipulate Americans.
In 2021, while stationed in Japan, Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis was driving down a mountain road with his wife, Brittany, and their three children. As he was driving, Ridge suffered a terrible case of altitude sickness that caused him to lose consciousness at the wheel, resulting in a tragic and unfortunate accidental car crash that left two Japanese citizens dead.