This week, I put my support behind what’s called the Right to Try Act. This bill removes unnecessary bureaucratic red tape for terminally ill patients and their families in Arkansas and across the nation. Patients deserve the option to receive investigational drugs that have passed the Food and Drug Administration’s basic safety testing without having to ask the agency for permission first. This commonsense measure will facilitate a potentially life-saving chance for dying Americans. I’m proud to support this bill that provides hope for those who need it most.  

Standing with our Arkansas Veterans and Service Members

Central Arkansas is home to so many of our brave veterans and service members at Little Rock Air Force Base and Camp Robinson, and I am committed to ensuring that our veterans, service members, and their families receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserve.

This is the 57th consecutive year that House and Senate have come together in a bipartisan fashion to authorize funding for our brave men and women in uniform. The bill, called the National Defense Authorization Act or “NDAA”, authorizes our nation’s defense funding, and it is critical for boosting our military’s readiness, combating global terrorism, and giving military personnel a much-deserved 2.6 percent pay increase.

This measure also continues the important work of last year’s NDAA bill by authorizing more than $200 million to upgrade and modernize our C-130 fleet, something that is especially important for LRAFB, the nation’s tactical airlift ‘Center of Excellence.’ This needed funding will guarantee these planes remain an essential part of our national security for years to come.

Also, this week, the Senate followed the House’s lead and passed - with overwhelming support - the VA MISSION Act. This bill adds accountability to health care providers so that our Arkansas veterans can get the care they need. It’s now on President Trump’s desk for his signature. I was proud to support this bill and the VA Accountability Act passed last year because it is crucial that Arkansas veterans get the care they have earned and deserve. The VA MISISON Act is an important step in changing the culture at VA and ensuring that those serving our veterans put our veterans first.

Hearing from Stefan, a Former Foster Youth from Arkansas

Click HERE to watch Rep. Hill’s House floor speech on Foster Youth.

May is National Foster Care Month, and with over 5,000 children in the foster care system in Arkansas, improving the children’s welfare system is very important to me. I had the pleasure of hosting in my Washington office Stefan Specht, a former foster youth from Arkansas. He was here as part of Foster Youth Shadow Day.

Stefan shared with me his personal story that started with a life in Philadelphia before he came to Arkansas and was placed into the foster care system. Talking with Stefan, I got to hear more about his concerns with the foster care system. During his time as a foster youth, Stefan got involved with the National Foster Youth Institute and Immerse Arkansas, organizations dedicated to reforming the child welfare system and helping foster youths as they transition into adulthood. I’m thankful for Stefan and these organizations are dedicated to supporting foster youth.

Paving the Way for Arkansas Communities to Thrive

Watch my floor speech here.

On Thursday, the President signed into law a measure that will pave the way for a better economic future for all hardworking Arkansans and Americans.

This regulatory relief bill that passed the House and Senate on a bipartisan basis is a win for our local job creators and the communities they serve after years of a Dodd-Frank economy that did not work for or help the working people. Instead of bureaucratic red tape and Washington mandates discouraging economic growth and job creation, this bill – now law – will promote a healthier, safer, and stronger economy.

I commend President Trump, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) for working together to get this bill signed into law. I look forward to continuing to fight for our families and small businesses in Arkansas and across the nation by rightsizing unnecessary overzealous financial regulations that have stymied capital formation and economic growth.

Thank you for taking time to keep up with the work I'm doing on your behalf. If I can be any assistance to you or your family, please reach out to my office at (501) 324-5941 or go to my website at hill.house.gov.