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Dear Friends,
Over the past few months, I have heard your concerns about the election integrity.
Like in 2016 with concerns about Russian election meddling, I have heard worries about a “stolen” 2020 election, and I want to assure each of you that I am fighting to restore faith and confidence to our elections.
Early in January, I cosponsored legislation to review voting irregularities in the 2020 election and help improve election security. But the bill we voted on last week, Speaker Pelosi’s so-called “For the People Act” is not that solution.
I voted against that bill, H.R. 1, because it’s a power grab by bureaucrats and politicians in Washington. They shouldn’t be running our elections. The U.S. Constitution gives that authority to the states, and I will always support the U.S. Constitution.
SUPPORTING BIPARTISAN POLICE REFORM
The murder of George Floyd last June sparked calls across our nation and on both sides of the aisle in Congress for police reform. I strongly condemned his murder and was proud to co-sponsor Sen. Tim Scott's JUSTICE Act because it offered commonsense solutions and reforms. Unfortunately, though it was blocked by Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats and never came to the Senate or House Floor for a vote.
On Wednesday, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats once again ignored Sen. Scott’s commonsense bill and instead passed the same partisan bill they pushed through the House last summer – and they didn’t allow a single Republican amendment either time. This was a missed opportunity for bipartisan consensus on a critical matter of public safety and trust.
We must work across the aisle to improve transparency and accountability in policing and restore Americans' faith in our justice system. Pushing an unworkable bill through the House on a party-line vote is a step in the opposite direction.
BUILDING BACK NUCLEAR ENERGY
President Biden has re-entered the Paris Climate Agreement, but he has yet to announce how he will achieve its goals. The Biden administration has issued several misguided executive orders and added new government positions with the intention of tackling climate change. Instead of job-killing regulations and a bloated bureaucracy, President Biden should prioritize support for nuclear energy. One particular method would be to enhance the development of clean, carbon-free nuclear power through the World Bank and the other multilateral lenders where the U.S. is a top shareholder.
On Monday, March 1st, The Hill published my op-ed calling for a renewed commitment to investing in nuclear energy.
ATTN: ARKANSAS VETERANS – UPDATE ON VA BACKOLOG
When I talked directly with the head of the National Archives David Ferriero in February, I carried your message to me about the hardship caused by the backlog at the National Personnel Record Center. You need your veterans records requests so that you and your family can access the benefits you have earned and deserve
I am pleased to report that our requests were heard, and last week, the Archivist of the United States has committed to eliminating the separation documents requests for veterans in less than a year. This is still too long, but we’re moving in the right direction. This is just the beginning for me as I continue to advocate for you.
I know that these records are essential to starting or completing claims at the VA, and I am committed to ensuring these backlogs are addressed as quickly as possible.
If you require assistance with records requests or have questions, please contact me at (501) 324-5941.
MEETING WITH ARKANSAS LEADERS
This past week, I enjoyed visiting with central Arkansas leaders to discuss issues facing our community.
On Wednesday, I met with Dr. José Romero, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, along with other members of the Arkansas congressional delegation. Dr. Romero provided an update on the state government’s COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution and answered our questions. I am grateful to Dr. Romero, the Department of Health, Governor Hutchinson, and all of our state and local officials for their efforts to keep Arkansans safe and healthy.
I also joined the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Fifty for the Future meeting on Thursday. We discussed the reopening of PPP for businesses with fewer than 20 employees, COVID relief, and how to support central Arkansas’s business community as we reopen our economy.
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM IRS FRAUD SCHEMES
April 15th is the deadline to file your 2020 tax return with the IRS. As the deadline approaches, watch out for scammers.
Phishing is a scam typically carried out through unsolicited email and/or websites that pose as legitimate sites and lure unsuspecting victims to provide personal and financial information.
Report all unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS or an IRS-related function to phishing@irs.gov. If you've experienced any monetary losses due to an IRS-related incident, please report it to the Treasury Inspector General Administration (TIGTA) and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their Complaint Assistant to make the information available to investigators.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill |
