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As the year and the 117^th Congress comes to a close, I am grateful to reflect on my time in the House of Representatives serving Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District. It is my highest honor to represent my constituents in Congress, and it is a privilege I never take for granted.

Over the past two years, the American people have endured a complete shutdown of the People’s House in a way never before seen in our lifetime. In recent months, as the threat of COVID-19 waned, the halls of Congress once again bustled with members, staff, and constituents. Hospital rates remain low and Americans are filling our airports, train stations, and highways at normal levels.

This week, the House voted on the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fund our military and defense related items in Fiscal Year 2023. This bill has been passed every year for over 60 years, and I’m glad to see that streak continue.  This NDAA is focused on increasing our military readiness and empowering a robust national defense by ensuring our service men and women have the tools they need to properly protect our nation.

Next week, the House of Representatives will consider the “Respect for Marriage Act.” which aims to redefine marriage according to federal law. A Democrat controlled Congress, with the aid of some Republican senators, have brought forward an unnecessary and concerning bill to codify Obergefell v. Hodges. Proponents of the bill claim it would ensure the right to same-sex “marriage” with no intention of affecting the millions of Americans of faith who hold sincere beliefs about the sanctity of marriage.

Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who dedicated their lives and risked their safety to protect our nation and our way of life. It is one of my greatest honors as a member of Congress to meet the men and women across the Fourth District who demonstrated tremendous bravery and acts of heroism during their time of service. 

This week, reports from the Energy Information Administration have caused fuel companies to sound the alarm, warning of a dire shortage of diesel in the Southeast.