Friends,
The last several years have been tough on Arkansas farm families. Higher input costs, bad weather, and stagnant commodity prices have squeezed operations across our state. This week, Republicans once again delivered for our farmers and ranchers by passing reauthorization for the Farm Bill. Here are just a few of the things the bill will do to help farmers:
• Increase funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) to expand export opportunities for Arkansas farmers
• Strengthen broadband access for rural communities
• Update USDA loan limits and expand access to credit for farmers, including higher caps and improved eligibility for ownership and operating loans
• Support funding for agricultural research and education initiatives
• Establish new disaster assistance tools, including direct aid for specialty crop losses and faster delivery of relief through state block grants
• Allow farmers to receive up-front emergency conservation payments following natural disasters
• Make the Feral Swine Eradication Program permanent, providing $150 million through 2031 long-term support to combat crop damage across Arkansas
• Support the next generation of farmers by lowering barriers to entry and expanding access to farm ownership opportunities
I am also proud that my FARMERS amendment was included. Too many farmers are struggling in silence, and we do not know if mental health resources are reaching the people who need them. This amendment gets us the data to fix that, so we can make sure our farmers and ranchers are getting the help they need. |
The Farm Bill builds on what Republicans have already delivered during the 119th Congress:
The Working Families Tax Cuts invested over $59 billion in the farm safety net, including: - Major updates to Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs to address inflation and rising production costs
- Expanded benefits for beginning farmers and more affordable crop insurance
- Estate tax exemption raised to $15 million per individual to protect family farms
- Permanent qualified business income deduction
The Trump administration delivered direct relief and new markets: - Over $12 billion through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and $16 billion in supplemental disaster relief
- An Executive Order targeting price fixing and foreign influence in seed, fertilizer, and equipment markets
- Expanded access to the foreign markets, including $1 billion in corn purchases from South Korea, $172 million in soybeans from Bangladesh, and new agreements with Japan and China for Arkansas rice and soybeans
Our farmers do not ask for much. They ask for a fair shot and the freedom to do what they do best. I will continue to do everything in my power to support our Arkansas farmers, ranchers, and agriculture workers. |
It was a productive week in Washington. In addition to passing the Farm Bill, House Republicans passed several bills, and I introduced a bill to help keep our civil servants safe. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE ACTLegislation to reauthorize Section 702 passed the House this week. Section 702 is one of the most crucial national security tools our nation has. The clean authorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) allows Congress to continue to negotiate Section 702 of this bill in hope of making changes in a bipartisan manner.
There is a lot of misinformation floating around about this program, so let me set the record straight. FISA does not bypass the Fourth Amendment. It targets foreigners on foreign soil, and it exists to protect the homeland. I went to the House floor to say exactly that, and to remind my colleagues that this program has played a significant role in preventing another 9/11.
I look forward to finalizing an extension that protects both our civil liberties and our national security. |
Protecting Our Public Servants
I introduced Providing Resources and Oversight to Ensure Confidentiality of Those who serve (PROTECT) Act this week along with Democrat Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10). The bill strengthens data security and prevents targeted threats against public officials by requiring the DHS to come up with and share simple ways to protect that information.
Public servants sign up to better their country and communities, but threats and violence against them have become far too common. My friend Majority Leader Steve Scalise was shot. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were assassinated in Minnesota. This past weekend, a would-be assassin targeted the president and administration officials.
Yet while violence targeting politicians gets the most attention, this threat impacts public servants at every level. The PROTECT Act will give agencies at the state, local, and federal level the guidance they need to better protect the people who serve our communities, from local police officers and Border Patrol agents to county judges and game wardens. FUNDING DHSWe have officially funded DHS for the end of the fiscal year. This was a frustrating process that should not have been as big of a spectacle as it was. The House Democrats once again blocked the bipartisan, originally fully funding of DHS and purposefully carved out ICE and CPB. But now we’ve funded through the end of the fiscal year, and the Republicans will continue to focus on funding our dedicated and steadfast immigration officers, ICE, and border security. |
Hello, Central Arkansas - I'm Sadey!
I am a four-year-old bundle of joy. I'm part Corgi, Pembroke, Labrador, and 100% adorable. I was surrendered to Conway Animal Services this past April. I’m fully spayed and vaccinated, and I don't have any medical conditions. I currently weigh 40 pounds, so I can tagalong with you everywhere!
Here's a little rundown about me: I’m definitely the dog that you could do anything with; I'm not hyper, but I love making friends (with other dogs and humans). I’m good on a leash and won't drag you into the bushes to chase squirrels (unless you also like squirrels...) I’m a bit wary of cats... they're not my favorite.
At my old home, one of my favorite things was to have a night in. I loved cuddling on the couch and watching TV with my mom. I’m a very sweet dog, and I wouldn't think about hurting a fly. I am very good with families, and I’m house trained and promise I won't cause a ruckus.
I have so much life in me, and I’d be overjoyed to have someone to make more memories with. If you're looking for an adaptable, loving, best friend who would be up to go on adventures, please come visit me.
Interested in giving Sadey or another Conway Animal Services pet a forever home? Contact them here:
Conway Animal Services 4550 Hwy 64 W Conway AR. 72034 501-450-6160 (press 1) Website & Facebook |
Two hundred and fifty years ago, America declared independence from the British Crown. This week, King Charles III stood in the United States Capitol to address a joint session of Congress, a testament to how far our two nations have come. The strength of the Anglo-American alliance is unmatched, built on shared values of freedom and democracy that have shaped the modern world. I am proud that King Charles III received a bipartisan standing ovation on the House floor, a reminder that when it comes to defending liberty, America and our closest allies stand together.
P.S. He can't have his old colonies back! |
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King George III, the monarch who lost the American colonies, was known by what nickname?
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Last week’s Trivia: On the night of Paul Revere's midnight ride, what did the two signal lanterns hung in the Old North Church mean? A) One if by sea, two if by land
70% of respondents answered correctly. |
As many of you may have noticed, I am really enjoying celebrating America's 250th birthday. From the inspiring stories from our founding era and American history trivia that we include in the weekly newsletter to the posts across my social media channels and A250 events in Arkansas and our Nation’s Capital, America's semiquicentennial gives me the chance to share my love of our history and our nation. It is also an opportunity for me to hear from the next generation about what America means to them.
That is why I am excited to announce the America250 Essay Contest, open to students in grades 6 through 12 across central Arkansas.
There are three divisions: - 6th and 7th grade: Up to 500 words
- 8th and 9th grade: Up to 750 words
- 10th through 12th grade: Up to 1,000 words
Here are the essay prompts:
6th and 7th grade: Who is your favorite Founder (man or woman) and why do you admire them?
8th through 12th grade:
After traveling throughout America in 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville observed that America was exceptional and unique in history: a nation founded not on ethnicity or a shared ancestry, but on the ideals of liberty, self-governance, and equality under God. How have these ideals contributed to America's greatness?
The deadline to submit is May 24, 2026 at 5 PM CT.
All submissions must be made through the submission forms below: 6th-7th grade 8th-9th grade 10th-12th grade
For additional information, including prize information, click HERE.
Spread the word to a student, teacher, or parent you know. The next great American voice might be right here in Arkansas. |
Kids born between January 2025 and December 2028 are eligible for a federal contribution into a “Trump Account.” More than 4 million Americans have already opened accounts, which will begin receiving funding starting the Fourth of July this year, so don’t delay.
This is also an opportunity for philanthropists to invest directly in the next generation, with leaders like Michael and Susan Dell and Ray and Barbara Dalio already stepping up to help fund these accounts. Through Treasury’s “50 State Challenge,” more private-sector leaders are being encouraged to get involved and support children and families across the country.
Families can sign their kids up for a Trump Account using the IRS Form 4547 as they file their taxes. To learn more, click HERE or call my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941. |
My office can arrange tours of the Capitol and many other sights in Washington, D.C., on behalf of you and your family during your stay. Please note: White House tours require Real IDs or other accepted forms of ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID.
If you and your loved ones are planning on visiting Washington, D.C. in the coming months, I recommend you reach out to my office to request tours as soon as possible HERE.
If you have any questions about your visit to Washington, D.C., please call my D.C. office at (202) 225-2506.
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Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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