On Tax Day this year, Americans felt the difference. Average refunds are up 11% over last year. More than six million Americans claimed No Tax on Tips. Over 25 million benefited from No Tax on Overtime. Fifty-three million Americans claimed at least one new tax cut under the Working Families Tax Cuts.

The Working Families Tax Cuts were designed for family farmers, small businesses, growing families, and hardworking Arkansans like Sharon. Thanks to that, Americans across the country are keeping more money in their pockets. That is what Republican results look like.

As we continue to celebrate America's 250th birthday, Arkansans are taking every opportunity to honor our nation. Saturday was no exception.

It was great to connect with Adjutant General Chad Bridges, who led the ceremony, and Governor Sarah Sanders, who administered the oath of enlistment to 250 Arkansans joining the Arkansas National Guard.

I am proud of these dedicated men and women who have chosen to serve. Their commitment strengthens our nation and preserves the freedoms we all hold dear. Every American owes them a debt of gratitude.

Serving our country is among the most honorable callings a young American can answer. And several of our high school seniors signed up to do just that at the 4th Annual High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony, hosted by Our Community Salutes of Central Arkansas.

Members of my veterans’ team were there to offer congratulations in person, and I had the opportunity to send my virtual sincere congratulations and gratitude to all the enlistees who made the decision to serve our great nation.

These brave young people are not going into this alone. The parents, teachers, coaches, and veterans continuously showing up and supporting them are proof of that. Our Community Salutes of Central Arkansas was built on that simple idea: when a young person answers the call to serve, their whole community should answer with them.

Many thanks to Military leaders Brigadier General Noel Palmer, Brigadier General Michael Henderson, and Command Chief Master Sergeant Misty McClean, as well as National Guard Colonel and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, Retired Colonel and Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Robert Ator, and my friend Bob Clausen from KARK, who served as Master of Ceremonies. This ceremony could not have happened without the tremendous support of our community.

It has been one month since I hosted my 2026 HBCU Summit at Arkansas Baptist College, where I brought together educators, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing these institutions and the opportunities ahead.

This week, I built on that momentum by introducing the bipartisan HBCU Research Capacity Act (H.R. 8264). Historically Black Colleges and Universities have long been a cornerstone of American higher education, especially here in central Arkansas. Despite producing a significant share of Black STEM graduates, these institutions receive less than 1% of roughly $60 billion in annual federal university research and development funding.

My legislation takes a practical, straightforward approach to closing that gap by reducing longstanding barriers to access, so our HBCUs are better equipped to compete for these important grants and their students have the opportunities they deserve. Better preparation means better outcomes for Arkansas.

In Constituent Corner, I share real stories from Arkansans we've helped. Whether it's working with the VA, the IRS, or another federal agency, my team is here to serve you. These stories are a reminder that government should work for the people, and in our office, that's exactly what we aim to do every day. If you're facing an issue and don't know where to turn, give us a call. We're here to help.

Ms. Sarah Stanford recently reached out to our office after her initial VA claim was denied. My team worked closely with Sarah and our persistence paid off: she was approved at a 100% disability rating and received over $22,000 in retroactive benefits.

Sarah also shared a bit of her personal journey with us, including her best friend, Spirit, a former wild mustang she met while participating in a veteran PTSD program in Harrison, Arkansas. She and Spirit went through the program together, graduated side by side, and remain inseparable.

Helping Arkansas veterans like Ms. Stanford access the support and benefits they've earned is one of the most important and fulfilling parts of our work.

If you or a loved one needs help with the VA or another federal agency, please visit my website or give our district office in Little Rock a call at (501) 324-5941.

Click HERE if you'd like to share your story.

On April 17, 1783, British forces attacked a small outpost near the confluence of the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers. The defenders held. It was one of only two battles of the Revolutionary War fought west of the Mississippi, and the only one fought on Arkansas soil. Local settlers and their allies repelled the attack, and the post remained secure.

Most Americans have never heard of the Battle of Arkansas Post. The fight for American independence was not confined to the Eastern Seaboard. It was fought here, on Arkansas soil, by Arkansans.

You can visit the site today at the Arkansas Post National Memorial, less than two hours from Little Rock. Click HERE to learn more about it.

Last week’s Trivia: As Arkansas bursts into bloom this spring and vibrant color returns to the Natural State, can you name the state flower? A) Apple Blossom

57.3% of respondents answered correctly. (26.6% selected "Dogwood Blossom")

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.

April is National Financial Literacy Month, a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about a topic near and dear to me: the importance of responsible financial decision-making and the tools available to help families succeed. As a former community banker, I have seen firsthand the dividends that financial literacy can pay.

Knowing how to budget and invest, understanding the importance of saving, and being prepared for financial challenges are skills that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Arkansans.

It is never too early, or too late, to learn how to manage your finances and prepare for the future. There are resources across the district to help individuals and families build a solid financial foundation.

For a list of financial literacy resources, visit the Arkansas Financial Education Commission, or call my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941.

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.