It was great to welcome members of the Arkansas Farm Credit Council to our nation’s capital to continue the conversation from last week's agriculture roundtable in Little Rock. We talked through the challenges facing Arkansas farmers and lenders like AgHeritage, including potential ad hoc payments and administrative relief on payment limits. I’m grateful for their insight and for the work they do every day to keep our state’s farm economy strong.

Agriculture is the backbone of Arkansas, and I’ll keep working in Congress to ensure our farmers have the support they need to succeed.

As we approach Veterans Day, it’s important to remember that keeping our promise to those who served means more than words; it means results. In the Friday edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) and I highlighted the progress being made to improve care for our veterans. Under the leadership of President Trump and VA Secretary Doug Collins, the Department of Veterans Affairs is delivering real results and getting help to veterans faster than ever before.

“Since January 20, 2025, the backlog of veterans waiting at the VA for their earned benefits has dropped by more than 37 percent, a remarkable turnaround after backlogs increased 24 percent during the Biden administration. Under new leadership, VA is now processing a record number of disability claims — about 2.52 million this fiscal year — and expanding access to care through new clinics, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships that bring health services closer to home.”

You can read our full op-ed HERE.

If you are a veteran and need help with the VA, please contact my team by clicking HERE or calling (501) 324-5941.

It was great to meet this week with Arkansans who were recognized by the American Ambulance Association as Stars of Life, which acknowledges the incredible work of our state’s EMTs and paramedics.

These professionals deliver lifesaving care every day — from CPR and wound care at the scene to critical treatments on the way to the hospital.

We also discussed how the federal government can better support the ambulance industry through increasing paramedics' ability to serve seniors without having to bring them to hospitals and by ensuring EMS providers in rural areas receive the add-on payments they rely on.

The ongoing government shutdown must end so these vital payments can be reinstated, and Americans aren't left waiting for emergency services.

Due to the ongoing Democrat shutdown, families who rely on SNAP benefits continue to face uncertainty. Agencies are still navigating legal and funding challenges, and many households are unsure when their assistance will arrive, despite recent court rulings and action from the Trump Administration.

Here in Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has directed $500 million to support local food banks and help families bridge the gap while payments are processed.

Click HERE for resources and assistance or call my office at (501) 324-5941.

From community events to local meetings, our district team stayed on the move this week, serving the people of central Arkansas. Here are a few of the highlights.

Celebrating Veterans at UCA

This week, our district team attended the University of Central Arkansas Veterans Day Celebration, where Brigadier General Chad Bridges delivered the keynote address. The ceremony also included a moving moment as Colonel Sarah O’Banion administered the oath of enlistment to 21 men and women entering military service. It was wonderful to see the next generation of Arkansans answering the call to serve.

Retiring the American Flag with Honor
Last week’s newsletter highlighted Catholic High School’s second annual American Flag Retirement Ceremony. This week, our district team attended the solemn ceremony to watch the school’s Marine Corps JROTC unit respectfully retire worn and weathered flags in keeping with tradition. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our flag and the values, sacrifices, and unity it represents.

Career Fair at the University of Central Arkansas

My team enjoyed meeting students at the Career Fair at the University of Central Arkansas and sharing information about internship opportunities in our Washington and Little Rock offices. These internships give students a firsthand look at the legislative process and an opportunity to serve the people of central Arkansas. We’re always glad to connect with young Arkansans interested in public service. If you’d like to apply, click HERE.

This month is a reminder that screening for lung cancer saves lives, but awareness is often what’s missing. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States, with an estimated 226,000 new cases expected in 2025. Yet fewer than 6 percent of eligible Americans receive routine screenings.

A simple, low-dose CT scan can detect lung cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Annual screening is recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

If you or a loved one meets these guidelines, talk with your doctor about scheduling a screening. You can also learn more about risk factors, prevention, and coverage for screenings by clicking HERE.

Last week, the White House announced that public tours will resume on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

In celebration of the holiday season, all December tours will showcase the White House Christmas decorations on the State Floor.

If you’re interested in visiting, my office can assist with submitting a tour request on your behalf. Tour availabilities for December will open 30 days before each date, and January 2026 tours are expected to be released in December.

Last week’s Trivia: Which First Lady hosted the first documented Halloween celebration at the White House? C) Mamie Eisenhower

28.8% of respondents answered correctly. (28.3% chose Eleanor Roosevelt; 26.6% chose Jacqueline Kennedy)