In the News

U.S. Rep. French Hill gave two speeches on the House floor last week. In one, he congratulated U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Rogers for receiving the Department of the Army Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service. In the other, the Republican from Little Rock paid tribute to Townsend Wolfe, the former Arkansas Arts Center director who died last month at age 81.

Hill described fellow Republican Womack as "a true Arkansas leader."

He called Wolfe "the ultimate Southern gentleman and truly a cultural visionary." During Wolfe's 34 years as director and chief curator, the Arts Center experienced "unparalleled growth in number of annual visitors and in its exceptional collection," Hill said.

Also last week, Hill attended the annual fly-in dinner organized by the Conway Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he awarded his February Golden Fleece Award to the Department of Veterans Affairs, citing flaws in its recruiting, relocation and retention incentive programs. Citing a VA inspector general's report, he said the VA failed to enforce repayment provisions on those who failed to meet their goals, costing taxpayers $784,000 in fiscal 2014.