Friends,
In last week's newsletter, I announced a new bipartisan caucus to advocate for America's skilled workers, from nurses and tech workers to the tradesmen who build our nation and keep it moving. This week I'm also pleased to announce the relaunch of a bipartisan caucus that will fight for our innovators and entrepreneurs, our startups and small business owners.
Fewer Americans are starting businesses today than at any point in the last forty years. Too many would-be entrepreneurs never get off the ground, often held back by limited access to capital, regulatory complexity, and a startup environment that has grown increasingly difficult to enter, particularly in communities that have never fully shared in the country's economic growth.
The relaunch of the House Entrepreneurship Caucus marks a renewed commitment to change that. A caucus, simply put, is a group of congressmen, often from both parties, organized around a shared cause. They're an incredibly useful way for us to help the people we serve and advance causes we're passionate about.
The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus that I co-chair with Rep. Alma Adams is a great example. Through that caucus, I've hosted several summits in Little Rock, including this past March. These summits bring together HBCU presidents, philanthropic and industry leaders, and state and local officials to talk about infrastructure, private capital, and connecting HBCU talent to the economy. We have also introduced and advanced legislation like the HBCU Research Capacity Act and, just recently, the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act.
That is the model I want to replicate with the Entrepreneurship Caucus and the Skilled Workforce Caucus: show up, listen, collaborate, and work to improve the lives of central Arkansans.
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After years of work and months of negotiations with the Senate, I'm proud to report that the first major housing bill in decades has passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a win for families from Arkansas to every corner of this country, and proves Washington can still work for the American people.
I’m looking forward to visiting with people across central Arkansas in the coming weeks and months about the many ways this bill leads to more affordable and accessible housing.
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It was a pleasure to welcome this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner, Mia Hunt, and her mother to the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. Mia, who is a student at Mount St. Mary Academy, had the opportunity to see her winning piece, “Safe Place,” proudly displayed alongside artwork from talented students across the country.
Her creativity, hard work, and artistic talent represent Arkansas’s Second District well. Congratulations again, Mia, on this well-deserved achievement. There aren't many safe places in politics, so I look forward to seeing Mia's work on the walls of the Capitol every time I make my way to the House floor — a little reminder of home.
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Last Wednesday, Rep. Hill spoke at the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) legislative breakfast to discuss federal regulations and policies affecting homebuilding. NAHB has been a strong supporter of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which has now passed both the House and Senate.
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Rep. Hill attended a roundtable hosted by Arkansas-based Winrock International and Kyle House to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Arkansas agriculture. The conversation focused on "regenerative farming" and brought together farmers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to talk through the issues surrounding expanding regenerative farming practices.
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Saline County recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new 2.5-mile segment of the Southwest Trail that connects directly to Pulaski County's existing trail system. The Southwest Trail is a multi-use trail connecting communities across Saline, Pulaski, and Garland counties that, once completed, will span approximately 65 miles from Central High School in Little Rock to Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs. Rep. Hill attended last year’s ribbon-cutting on the Pulaski County side and is glad to see this latest segment now complete.
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The Great American State Fair kicked off this week right here on the National Mall as part of America's semiquincentennial celebration. President Trump opened the festivities Wednesday evening with remarks to a packed Mall, joined by members of his Cabinet, military bands, and Lee Greenwood performing "God Bless the U.S.A." But it was the flyover that stole the show. B-52 and B-2 Spirit bombers, and F-15, F-16, and F-35 fighter jets roared over the fair. No matter how many times you've seen one in person, it's hard not to get goose bumps from the surge of pride and awe.
The fair runs through July 10 and is free and open to the public, though pre-registration is highly recommended to expedite entry. If you are in the Washington area, you can register and get event information at the Freedom 250 Official Event Page. For additional assistance, call my office at (202) 225-2506 or click HERE.
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Which event had the first ceremonial military flyover in American history?
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Last week’s Trivia: Which hill was the Battle of Bunker Hill actually fought on? B) Breed's Hill
64% of respondents answered correctly.
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The Trump Accounts app officially launched this week. Now every family has a simple, direct way to get involved and start building their child's future. Download it today and make sure your family is ready for the official July 4th launch.
Kids born between January 2025 and December 2028 are eligible for a federal contribution into a “Trump Account.” More than 6 million Americans have already opened accounts, which will begin receiving funding starting the Fourth of July this year, so don’t delay.
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.
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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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