At its core, this bill is about restoring that dream. It lowers costs, cuts red tape, and increases housing supply, giving families in Arkansas and across the country a real shot at homeownership again.

Here is how the Housing for the 21st Century Act helps Arkansans:

• Modernizes federal housing programs to reflect today’s construction methods and consumer needs
• Expands the use of manufactured and modular housing, built faster and at lower cost while maintaining strong safety standards
• Reduces unnecessary federal red tape that slows development and drives up prices
• Improves oversight and accountability at HUD to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively
• Strengthens protections for homeowners, renters, seniors, and veterans by making programs more transparent and responsive
• Encourages innovation and private investment to increase housing supply in urban and rural communities
• Updates outdated rural housing programs
• Slashes approval times from months, or even years, down to weeks
• Expands access for first-time homebuyers and home repair loans

But you don’t have to just take my word for it. This bill has broad bipartisan support and backing from organizations across the country, including several right here in central Arkansas:

“I strongly support House Financial Services Chairman French Hill’s leadership in the development and passage of The Housing for the 21^st Century Act that not only expands affordable housing but also expands access to affordable housing and enhances protections for homeowners.”

— Cathy Owen, Executive Chair, Eagle Bank; Chair, CEO, & President, State Holding Co.

“As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Southern Bancorp is focused on expanding access to affordable homeownership and breaking down barriers that keep all families from building wealth. The Housing for the 21st Century Act takes practical steps toward improving outdated processes, supporting local communities, and making it easier to build and finance homes that families can afford. We applaud this effort to strengthen housing opportunities across America.”

— John Olaimey, President & CEO, Southern Bancorp Bank

It’s Time to Fund Homeland Security

For the third time in four months, Democrats have chosen to shut down part of the government, this time the Department of Homeland Security. What is especially frustrating is that this bill was agreed to weeks ago, only to have Democrats pull the rug out, even as Republicans expressed a willingness to discuss immigration policy and reforms.

What is particularly puzzling is that the DHS funding bill includes $20 million for body cameras for ICE officers and Border Patrol agents, one of the very priorities Democrats have demanded. Not only does blocking the bill undermine funding for the reforms they say they want, it also fails to stop immigration enforcement. Instead, Democrats are jeopardizing funding for TSA agents, air traffic controllers, FAA modernization efforts, FEMA aid, and other functions critical to the safety of our communities.

I am confident Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune will continue working to pass the twelfth and final appropriations bill. Let’s hope Democrats finally take yes for an answer.

Taking on Prescription Drug Prices

Arkansans deserve real solutions to rising health care costs. Addressing prescription drug prices is one important part of that effort.

That’s why I submitted a Statement for the Record this week at a congressional hearing examining the prescription drug supply chain. If we are serious about lowering costs, we must look at the entire system — from PBMs to group purchasing organizations, health plans, and distributors — and ensure transparency and accountability at every level.

Families should not have to skip needed medications because of cost. I will continue working to bring meaningful reforms that deliver relief for Arkansas patients. Read my full statement HERE. 

A few more items of note…

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act will protect our elections by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and a valid government-issued photo ID to cast a ballot. These commonsense protections are supported by 83 percent of Americans, including more than 70 percent of Democrats.

Arkansas has been rated as having the most secure elections in the nation, and we are proud of that. But Arkansans, and all Americans, deserve confidence that every federal election across the country is secure, fair, and decided by eligible citizens. That's why I was proud to support this bill.

The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act is a bipartisan bill that modernizes federal firearms law to ensure certain less-than-lethal tools used by law enforcement are not unintentionally classified as firearms, giving officers clearer access to updated de-escalation tools while maintaining strict safety standards. For Arkansas communities, it supports safer policing practices and helps equip local officers with tools that can reduce the risk of serious injury.

Arkansas Rice Farmers

It was great to meet with USA Rice and Arkansas farmers this week for their D.C. fly-in. We talked about passing a farm bill, additional aid, payment limitation suspensions, and how Arkansas farmers can bring more rice to international markets.

Arkansas is the rice capital of America, and our farmers work hard and ask for little. Just a level playing field and the government off their backs. That's why these conversations matter. I'll keep fighting to make sure Washington works for them, not against them.

Arkansas Educators

I was glad to join my team for a meeting today with NEA Arkansas Director Dustin Parsons, the newly-elected NEA At-Large Director for Educational Support Professionals, Satarra Williams, and Arkansas Education Association President April Reisma. We had a productive conversation about career and technical education (CTE) programs, making the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) more effective, and supporting school safety and student mental health.

Arkansas students deserve great teachers, and great teachers deserve the support and resources to do their jobs well. I appreciated hearing directly from Arkansas educators and look forward to continuing to work on their behalf.

My Veterans Advisory Council meeting is coming up soon! If you're a veteran in central Arkansas, I hope you’ll join me for a conversation about the issues that matter most to you and your family.

Here are the details:

Location: Veterans and Military Resource Center at University of Central Arkansas, 302 Donahey Ave., Conway, AR 72035
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 10:00 AM CT

Over my years in Congress, I regularly host VACs across the district and hold Q&As with veterans to discuss the issues impacting our veteran community. This meeting is open to all central Arkansas veterans.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941 or send an email.

Last week’s Trivia: Who was the first U.S. President to attend the National Prayer Breakfast? C) Dwight D. Eisenhower

41.7% of respondents answered correctly. (26.3% selected "Franklin D. Roosevelt")

The Presidential 1776 Award is a spelling bee-like competition where students demonstrate their understanding of America's founding era. With scholarship prizes ranging from $25,000 – $150,000, this is your chance to shine on a national stage.

Click on the photo below for more information. The deadline to register is February 22, 2026.

The Small Business Administration is reminding Arkansas small businesses and private nonprofit organizations that relief is still available following severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred April 2–22, 2025.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans can help cover operating expenses and are available even if no physical damage occurred.

The disaster declaration covers several counties in Arkansas’s Second Congressional District, including:

• Pulaski County
• Saline County
• Faulkner County
• Perry County
• White County

The deadline to apply is February 23, 2026. To learn more or apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955.

Submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition are now open!

This competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent from across central Arkansas, with the winning artwork displayed for a year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

I will again be hosting a “Fan Favorite” award, where central Arkansans can vote for their favorite piece. The artwork that wins Fan Favorite will be displayed in my Little Rock office.

This challenge is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 who live in Arkansas’s Second Congressional District. The deadline to submit artwork to my office is Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 pm CST.

One small change from years past: Students are no longer required to submit a photo of themselves with their artwork.

For more information and full submission instructions, click HERE.

          Last year's winner, “Beyond the Familiar" by Amber Bae.

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.