Dear Friends, Yesterday, the House voted on a bill that attempts to grant the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, statehood. While on its face, this seems like a simple act, there is more to the story.   The plain truth is that it’s unconstitutional for a simple bill like this to grant this “federal district” statehood. The Founding Fathers never intended for our capital to be a state and carefully crafted the U.S. Constitution to ensure it would not become a state. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the Constitution says, "The Congress shall have Power To …exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States." The 23rd Amendment of the Constitution also clarifies the role of the capital by granting the District of Columbia electoral votes, but no more than the least populous state.  In other words, granting D.C. statehood would take the repeal of one Constitutional amendment, and the passage of a new Constitutional amendment, not just a simple bill in the House.   To watch my video further explaining my thoughts about yesterday's vote, click HERE or on the image below.

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people in close contact (within 6 feet); through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks

• The virus can be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If no soap and water are available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.

• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.

• Following local guidance, a cloth face cover is recommended when in public. For example, when you go to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.

• Continue to keep 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are around others and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.

• Throw used tissues in the trash.

• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and Disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

Monitor your health

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

• Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.

• Take your temperature if symptoms develop.

• Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like Tylenol.

• Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
  

A number of central Arkansans have contacted me over the past few weeks because they have received little to no communication about the status of their passport application. Given that applications for new passports and renewals take time, the State Department should have continued processing them during the past three months. 

To read my full letter to the State Department, click HERE.