Dear Friends,
This week, important bills that benefit Arkansans were signed into law. I spoke out against the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, wished our veterans a Merry Christmas, delivered Christmas packages, and much more. Thank you for taking the time to follow my work in central Arkansas and Washington. Here are the highlights from this week.
Two Big Wins for Arkansans
The five-year farm bill was signed into law by the president this week. Agriculture is Arkansas’s number one economic industry, and I am pleased that that this bill helps bring much needed security and support to hardworking Arkansas farm families.
I am pleased the president, on Friday, signed the criminal justice reform package, the FIRST STEP Act. Since I came to Congress in 2015, I have actively worked with groups like Arkansas Baptist College, Restore Hope, Goodwill, Shorter College, the Exodus Project, and many more on ways we can better tackle crime, help lower recidivism rates, assist incarcerated Arkansans successfully shift back to society, while promoting individual opportunity.
Through my Community Empowerment Initiative (CEI), I have brought together over 100 community members and have conducted more than 25 site visits throughout central Arkansas and around the country. This bill is a first but crucial step for criminal justice reform, which is an issue that affects everyone and transcends party lines.
"A Sad Case of Political Expediency"
The president's decision to withdraw from Syria is, in the words of the late Senator John McCain, "a sad case of political expediency supplanting military necessity," and I object. We must ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS; a withdrawal from Syria now opens the door for Iran to consolidate gains in Syria.
Should the president also withdraw from our NATO mission in Afghanistan, I am especially concerned for civilians like a remarkable Fulbright student, Naheed Esar, with whom I was able to meet in 2015 in Kabul. The indomitable spirit of her and her family resulted in Naheed's successful graduation from the University of Arkansas as a Fulbright Scholar with a master's degree in cultural anthropology. Her story should remind all of us that there can be a future with a free Afghanistan and that now is not the time to abandon these civilians to the Taliban. Watch my House floor speech here.
Visiting Patients at McClellan VA Hospital
Nurses like Julie, Sharonda, and Shannon (pictured above, left to right) at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Systems truly care for their patients and are providing top-notch treatment for our heroes. I appreciate Dr. Margie Scott, Chris Durney, and all the members of the hospital team who took time with me to discuss their programs and what they do to support central Arkansas veterans. I was grateful to be able to visit the VA staff and patients and spread some holiday cheer.
Delivering Christmas Packages with UPS!
I enjoyed starting off my week delivering packages with Antoine James (pictured above) to small businesses in Little Rock. En route, we dropped off orders at Feinstein's, Boulevard Bread Company, WordsWorth Books, Sissy's Log Cabin, Mr. Wicks: The Gentleman's Shop, Tipton & Hurst, and the Toggery. Over the years, I have enjoyed this opportunity to visit with terrific UPS team members and be one of Santa's helpers for the day!
Putting Women and Children First
On Monday, I enjoyed visiting Women & Children First: The Center Against Family Violence to discuss the programs and necessary services they provide to women who are suffering from domestic violence. Thank you for your hard work in providing a safe haven in central Arkansas.
If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, please reach out on their website at www.wcfarkansas.org for help, or call their hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Reaching out to the Spouses of Deployed Service Members
Throughout the week, I have been calling the spouses of soldiers who are deployed to wish them a Merry Christmas, and thank them for their service and sacrifice to our country. During this holiday season, take a moment for those who do not have their loved ones with them and thank them or offer support in any way that you can.
Thank you for taking time to keep up with the work I'm doing on your behalf. If I can be of any assistance to you or your family, please reach out to my office at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov.
Representative French Hill |
