Dear Friends,
Arkansans have always been able to achieve greatness when we choose to focus on what unites us instead of what divides us. This week, I was encouraged by the president's comments calling on all Americans to choose unity over division.
Over the past two years, we've seen record-breaking economic growth that has created more jobs and higher wages for hard-working Arkansas families. The president’s vision for the future includes important priorities that build on the past successes we achieved in the last Congress. We will continue to lower prescription drug costs, revitalize economically distressed communities by expanding ‘Opportunity Zones,’ and empower our agriculture industry with new trade deals that protect Arkansas farmers.
Click HERE or on the picture below to watch video of my thoughts of the president's speech immediately following the State of the Union address.
Bringing Majd Kamalmaz Back Home to America
I am committed to doing everything I can to safely bring home Majd Kamalmaz, an American raised in Arkansas, who has been held captive in Syria for two years. I met with Majd’s family at the Arkansas State Capitol Building last weekend (pictured below) to help carry their urgent message to the president.
Additionally, I hosted Khalid Kamalmaz, the son of Majd Kamalmaz, as my guest for the State of the Union. I pray that Majd will be returned home soon and will be able to meet his two youngest grandchildren for the first time.
LATEST UPDATE: Last Wednesday, President Trump signaled that he would being the process of securing the release of our detained Americans in Syria, which includes Majd Kamalmaz.
I asked for the president’s help in bringing Majd safely home because of his strong record of securing the release of Americans held in dangerous places. This is welcome news and I will continue working with the president and the State Department to do everything possible to ensure Majd is brought back home to his family in the United States. Click HERE to read more.
Honoring the Heroes of D-Day
Nothing captures American greatness quite like our World War II veterans. This past Wednesday, my staff and I had the profound honor of meeting two of the last remaining heroes who fought on D-Day. You may recognize them from the State of the Union address where President Trump featured their stories. Joseph Reilly (seated, 97 years old) was a paratrooper who landed on Normandy’s Utah Beach at 3:30 AM on D-Day. Steve Melnikoff (99 years old) stormed the beaches of Normandy and despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds, continued to serve all the way until the end of the war.
Their message to me was simple: don’t let our children forget the sacrifices made by their brothers-in-arms who didn’t make it home. They answered the call of duty, and now it is our responsibility to honor them. Keep scrolling to see more pictures.
Facebook LIVE Q&A, State of the Union Edition
Thank you to everyone who tuned in on Thursday for my Facebook Live Q&A, State of the Union edition. We had some great questions on a wide range of topics including immigration, new trade deals, border security, and lowering pharmaceutical drug prices. I also discussed my favorite president (Hint: he climbed the Swiss Alps a year after graduating from college).
Click HERE or on the picture below to watch the full video of my Facebook Live Q&A.
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 |
