September 2022

This week, it was announced that a tentative deal has been reached between union workers and Class I railroads, avoiding a threatened strike that would have halted the nation’s freight and passenger rail service. As Ranking Member of the House Transportation Committee’s Railroads, Pipelines, & Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, I was monitoring the situation and keenly aware of the significant and devastating effects a nationwide rail strike would have on industries in the First District and our country’s economy as a whole.

LITTLE ROCK – Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic Arkansas has received billions of dollars in federal relief funding. The PEER subcommittee of the Legislative Council has grown significantly in importance because it reviews how state agencies, institutions of higher education and public schools proposed to spend those federal relief dollars.

The United States Air Force has bravely fought to protect freedom, liberty and peace on every continent. As co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus and the son of a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, I have personally witnessed the service and sacrifice of those individuals, past and present, comprising this distinguished branch of our Armed Forces.

Every community feels the impact when adults lack a high school diploma or the skills to compete in the 21st century workforce. Not only is it devastating for the adults who may dream of a better life for their families, but it may impact education for future generations.