In the News

A bill that would seek to strengthen background checks and security dealing with Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Paris received the support of Arkansas’ four members of the U.S. House. The 289-173 vote – about three votes more than a veto-proof majority – was on HR 4038. The bill, co-sponsored by 89 House members including U.S.… Read more »

Arkansas's all-Republican US House delegation voted for the nation to temporarily stop taking in Syrian and Iraqi refugees while expanding the vetting process. Central Arkansas Congressman French Hill talked about his vote with KUAR. KAUFFMAN: The House just voted to stop taking in Syrian and Iraqi refugees, temporarily, in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Paris. The bill passed… Read more »

With Paris still reeling from Friday's terrorist attacks and with Islamic State militants threatening similar strikes in the United States, a law that will require the government to get a search warrant before accessing telephone records should be put on hold, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton said Wednesday. The Arkansas Republican introduced legislation this week to delay its implementation for… Read more »

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Monday voiced his opposition to harboring Syrian refugees in Arkansas, joining a throng of governors concerned that a wave of Syrian refugees could undermine national security. Members of Congress also spoke of worry about the potential terror threat posed by refugees. Arkansas' two Republican senators called for a moratorium on resettling Syrian refugees in the… Read more »

Third District U.S. Rep. Steve Womack took to the seas recently to witness one of the fastest rockets ever made. The Rogers Republican was aboard a submarine -- the USS Kentucky -- observing the Nov. 7 launch of an unarmed Trident II (D5) missile in a test range off the coast of Southern California. This was the 156th such test of a Trident II (D5) missile by the U.S. Navy's Strategic… Read more »

The White House stated its case Thursday for passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, saying the trade agreement would increase U.S. exports, lower foreign tariffs and open 11 overseas countries to more American goods and products. That message was echoed by officials from Wal-Mart and Tyson, two companies that do business across the Pacific. Click here to read more. Read more »

Arkansas’ four U.S. House members traveled the state and abroad this week during a district work period, while the state’s two U.S. Senators honored veterans for their sacrifice. Also, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., called for reforms to the nation’s Social Security Disability Insurance program. The following is a breakdown of the week that was in the nation’s… Read more »

Nov. 10 — The Securities and Exchange Commission is “full-out focused” on crafting a uniform fiduciary standard for broker-dealers, but it won’t be a fast process, Chairman Mary Jo White said Nov. 10. White didn’t say when a rule would be proposed but told reporters that “the staff is fully engaged in formulating a recommendation.” In a… Read more »

With our new Speaker of the House now in place, I offer some observations to my Republican colleagues, including Speaker Ryan himself... Read more »

Rep. Paul D. Ryan was elected the 54th speaker of the House last week, ending a tumultuous month of intra-party politics for House Republicans. The Wisconsin Republican replaces John Boehner, R-Ohio, who stepped down after holding the gavel for the GOP majority for the past five years. His resignation was driven at least in part to a growing rift between establishment Republicans and… Read more »