Dear Friend,

Hospitals are filling up and COVID cases are on the rise. The easiest and safest way to combat the spread of this virus is by getting vaccinated.

I highly encourage all Arkansans who are not currently vaccinated against COVID-19 to consult with their doctor about getting vaccinated for the safety of your families, your neighbors, and your communities across central Arkansas.

The only way that Arkansas can fully reopen the economy and truly get back on our feet is with more people getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The Pfizer vaccine is available to Arkansans ages 12 and up, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for use in adults over 18, all at no cost.

Call 1-800-985-6030 for more information on the vaccines or visit the Arkansas Department of Health website for more information on where to get a vaccine and visit with your physician to determine the right approach for recieving a vaccine.

MEETING IN ISRAEL

I was pleased to join members for the first bipartisan delegation to meet with the new Israeli coalition government and hear their perspectives and goals.

I was able to join the entire diplomatic community and the Marine Color Guard at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem for a Fourth of July Celebration.

While in Jerusalem, I also visited with Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. During the meeting, I was pleased to present him with greetings from Arkansas, and a copy of my 2005 book about the history of the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock.

While on base at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, I had lunch with Airman First Class Chico Pickrom from Conway. He told me about his hopes and future ambitions for his Air Force career. I am proud of Chico and the many airmen and women I met while at the airbase.

To learn more about my trip, I encourage you to read this story in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

INFLATION IS TAXATION

Last month, consumer prices rose 5.4% - the highest monthly gain in 13 years.

Almost half of America’s small businesses were forced to raise their prices in May.

Inflation is just a tax on hard working Arkansans.

President Biden’s rampant spending isn’t helping. A non-targeted “COVID relief bill” and trillions in proposed spending is leading to more expensive groceries, gas, and household goods for Arkansans.

WOUNDED WARRIOR FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

I currently seek applications to fill the role of District Representative for Military and Veterans Affairs.

This position is available through the U.S. House of Representatives Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, a two-year full-time paid fellowship with the possibility of permanent full-time employment. The fellowship will provide veterans with experience and exposure to broaden their career opportunities. Fellows will help central Arkansans with matters before the federal government, including the Veterans Administration, and community organizations on behalf of central Arkansans.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter along with your most recent DD214 and a letter from the VA indicating a 30% or greater disability rating to housewoundedwarriors@mail.house.gov.

To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, please click HERE.

NEED A PASSPORT? MY OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP

With backlogs in the State Department, passport renewals by mail are taking longer than usual. I do not want anyone to miss a trip because of an expired passport. I encourage everyone to plan ahead for your travel and if you have an upcoming trip within the next 6 months, check the expiration and validity of your passport today.

Since January, my office has helped 77 families expedite their passports, and is currently helping 40 more and counting.

If you need passport assistance, please reach out to my office at (501) 324-5941. Passport information can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html. Last week, the Department of State issued guidance effective immediately that there will be no walk-ins seen at any passport agency.

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

Last week, I joined the North Little Rock Rotary Club at their weekly meeting.

As a third-generation Rotarian, the Rotary’s motto of "Service Above Self" has guided me as I fight for central Arkansas businesses in Washington.

I spoke with them about the importance of getting vaccinated, updated them on the Congressional budget and infrastructure spending, and shared about my recent visit to Jerusalem.

I appreciate the noble work of the NLR Rotary Club, and the impact they have on the community of North Little Rock.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill