Dear Friends,
During my time in Congress, I have listened closely to Arkansans as they have shared their good ideas with me. Your ideas always help me best represent you.
Sometimes your ideas have led to bills that became law or solutions to some of our state’s and nation’s most pressing issues such as health care, economic development, protecting our environment, and best serving our veterans.
I recently started a video series called “Your Ideas” where I highlight just some of the ideas that started right here in Arkansas and are now in action in Washington – including one to fight the deadly opioid epidemic.
Because of one person’s input, Senator Tom Cotton and I introduced a bill to help fight fentanyl trafficking, and I am proud to report that this bill, the Fentanyl Sanctions Act, was included in the annual defense bill that passed the House last week.
This means hope for families across the country and the state that their loved ones won’t fall victim to those wishing to do them harm.
To watch, click HERE or on the image below.
It takes only one person to make a difference. If you have an idea, contact me.
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| Taking Action economic impact payments |
Getting Answers from the IRS for You |
In March, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the CARES Act, which provided an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) to help Arkansans make it through these challenging times.
I was appalled when I learned that many Arkansans are still waiting for that payment.
The unresponsiveness by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has gone on long enough.
Senator John Boozman, Senator Tom Cotton, Congressman Rick Crawford, Congressman Steve Womack, Congressman Bruce Westerman, and I sent a letter to the IRS Commissioner seeking action on behalf of Arkansans.
Are you still waiting for your EIP? Contact me at Hill.House.Gov or call (501) 324-5941.
| ALERT: UNSOLICITED SEEDS FROM CHINA |
Have You Received Seeds in the Mail That You Didn’t Order? |
Across our nation, Americans have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seeds that appear to be coming from China.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is working closely with Customs and Border Protection and other federal agencies to investigate the situation. To learn more about their efforts, click HERE.
-> ACTION: If you receive an unsolicited package of seeds, hold onto the seeds, packaging, and label and contact the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s State Plant Board. Their email address is regulatoryseed@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Additionally, it is recommended that if you receive one of these packages, do not plant them.
The USDA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and will test their contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.
| Key Resources for Rural Arkansas Communities |
Improved Access to Federal Grant Funding |
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the launch of a new application toolkit for the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative.
Ensuring that our rural roads are well-maintained and safe is of vital importance. Nearly 70% of America’s road miles are in rural areas carrying nearly 50% of the nation’s truck traffic.
The new ROUTES Toolkit assists rural stakeholders by making it easier to understand how to access the Department’s grants and financing products. Specifically, the Toolkit lays out key applicant requirements when participating in the Department’s discretionary grants processes. It also catalogs discretionary grant programs by applicant type and eligible project activities. Importantly, the Toolkit provides resources to applicants that help to maximize the potential for award success.
To learn more about the ROUTES Initiative and the Toolkit, visit www.transportation.gov/rural.
| Discussing Congress's next steps on fox business |
What We Can Do to Encourage A Healthy Economy |
Tuesday, I joined David Asman on Fox Business’ After the Bell to discuss Congress’s next steps to bolster the economy and combat this virus.
The CARES Act provided states with $150 billion in funding that expires on December 31, 2020. As we continue to combat this virus, states need Congress's support to spend those funds to best help local efforts. In accordance, Congress should give states greater flexibility to spend the money given to them to keep Americans healthy and eliminate the December 31, 2020 deadline so that they can continue to do what is best for their citizens. These are sensible provisions that will help us cope with the virus and get our economy back up and running.
To watch, click HERE or on the image below.
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SERVING OUR CENTRAL ARKANSAS HEROES
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Our Veterans Must Receive the Benefits They Are Owed |
Ensuring that our central Arkansas veterans have access to the care that they have earned and deserve serving our country is one of my top priorities as your representative to Congress.
This past month, my team completed 40 cases for veterans who needed help, earning them backpay and other benefits they were owed, and ensuring that their needs are being met.
It is my honor to represent you in Congress. Please contact me at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov if I may be of service to you.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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