For decades, Washington has spent beyond its means, avoided difficult decisions, and borrowed or printed money to fund an ever-expanding government. This spending addiction is unsustainable and a threat to our national security and the prosperity of future generations.

To put in perspective just how bad things have gotten, in 1995, our national debt was $4.9 trillion, roughly 67% of GDP. That was the same year the Senate failed to pass a balanced budget amendment by a single vote.

Since then, our fiscal situation has only deteriorated. When the House last debated this measure in 2018, our debt stood at $21 trillion. Today, it exceeds $38 trillion, nearly doubled over the last eight years, and our debt now stands at approximately 124% of GDP. That's in large part because for the last several years, we have been running annual deficits of over $2 trillion.

While the pandemic had a large negative impact, the Biden Administration initiated over $6 trillion in new spending on top of that deficit spending.

For the first time in our nation's history, we now spend more on interest payments than on national defense. If we continue on this path, interest payments will eventually become our single largest expenditure, leaving Congress with only painful choices: massive tax increases on every American, cuts to vital services and entitlements, or printing money and unleashing the kind of inflation that destroys savings and hammers working families.

Our debt problem is real, and the longer we wait to address it, the worse those choices become. A balanced budget amendment would require Congress to confront tradeoffs honestly, set clear priorities, and stop treating unlimited borrowing as a substitute for responsible governing.

It is not the only tool at our disposal, but it could be the single biggest structural reform we can make to force the accountability Washington has avoided for decades.

Working families, farmers, and small businesses across central Arkansas do exactly that every single day. The federal government should, too.

I joined The Nature Conservancy at Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area to see firsthand how prescribed burns reduce wildfire risk and protect our natural resources. While it was great to spend some time outside, it was even more important for me to learn more about this critical work that protects lives, property, and the landscapes that define The Natural State.

It’s essential for the health of our forests that we stay focused on prevention to reduce the threat of devastating wildfires and strengthen the resilience of our communities.

That’s also why I support the Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the House late last year. The bill helps streamline forest management, increases resilience to wildfires, protects communities by expediting environmental analyses, and cuts through red tape so prevention projects like these can move forward faster and more effectively.

I appreciate Arkansas TNC Director Roger Mangham and his dedicated fire team for their leadership in preserving The Natural State.

I was pleased to join Congresswoman Alma Adams’ 8th Annual HBCU STEAM Days of Action alongside leaders from across government, academia, and industry to support the future of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

We strongly emphasized the importance of long-term partnerships. Ongoing investment and support for these institutions is essential to helping all HBCUs grow.

In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to working with Rep. Adams as Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus to find ways to bolster HBCUs by supporting infrastructure improvements on HBCU campuses and strengthening their long-term financial stability.

After over a year in Taliban custody, American researcher Dennis Coyle is home. President Trump, Secretary Rubio, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and my congressional colleagues and I never stopped pushing for his release, and this week our efforts paid off. Dennis's family thanked the Trump administration, the international partners who kept faith with them, and the members of Congress who never let his story fade. 

I'm proud to have been among those advocates. As founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad, bringing Americans like Dennis home is a mission I take personally.

My bipartisan Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025, which was signed into law in December, gave Secretary Rubio the legal tools he needed to designate both Iran and Afghanistan as state sponsors of wrongful detention, a designation that helped bring real pressure to bear in this case.

Dennis's release is a victory, but the work isn't finished. I will keep fighting until all Americans wrongfully detained and held in captivity come home.

On Tuesday, we celebrated National Agriculture Day, recognizing the farmers, ranchers, and producers who keep America fed and our economy strong, especially here in Arkansas, where agriculture is our number one economic driver and the backbone of our rural communities.

Last week, I wrote about the ways the Working Families Tax Cuts and the hard work by House Republicans and the Trump administration are helping our farmers and ranchers.

It’s important to build on those successful efforts by passing the first farm bill in 5 years. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act will strengthen that foundation by supporting international food aid, protecting crop insurance, investing in rural development, and ensuring our producers have the tools they need to compete and succeed.

I will continue to fight for Arkansas farmers, ranchers, ag families, and all the hardworking men and women who keep it moving forward.

Wednesday was National Medal of Honor Day, a time to recognize the courage and sacrifice of those who have acted with extraordinary valor in service to our nation. We remember all who have earned our nation’s highest military honor by going above and beyond the call of duty, and we remain forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.

Honoring an American Hero

As we commemorate National Medal of Honor Day, I’m proud to be part of a group working to bring a bust of former Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Maurice “Footsie” Britt to the Arkansas State Capitol.

Footsie succeeded in everything he did, from playing in the NFL to excelling in business and serving as Arkansas’s Lieutenant Governor. But before all of that, he was a war hero, serving on the brutal battlefields of Italy and North Africa during World War II. For his distinguished service and heroic actions in combat, he was the first U.S. Army soldier of World War II to receive all of the Army’s top medals for valor, including the Medal of Honor.

I look forward to seeing the finished bronze bust unveiled at the Arkansas State Capitol later this year, so that generations to come can learn about this American hero. It’s a fitting tribute to one of Arkansas’s finest sons.

For more information about Maurice “Footsie” Britt, click HERE or see Against All Odds by Alex Kershaw, which details his service in World War II.

Last week’s Trivia: What did Coach Nolan Richardson call his signature full-court pressure style that helped carry the Razorbacks to the 1994 national title? B) Forty Minutes of Hell

68.6% of respondents answered correctly.

Kids born between January 2025 and December 2028 are eligible for a federal contribution into a “Trump Account.” More than 4 million Americans have already opened accounts, which will begin receiving funding starting the Fourth of July this year, so don’t delay.

This is also an opportunity for philanthropists to invest directly in the next generation, with leaders like Michael and Susan Dell and Ray and Barbara Dalio already stepping up to help fund these accounts. Through Treasury’s “50 State Challenge,” more private-sector leaders are being encouraged to get involved and support children and families across the country.

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) 324-6941.

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 to visit 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.