Dear Friends,
Last Friday, I was deeply disappointed to witness a vote to end of one of the foundations of our nation: coming together to meet and debate. I voted against this measure, and after the vote, published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner explaining why.
Our Founding Fathers intended for legislating to be hard, but fair. They compelled the members of the People’s House to assemble, to collaborate, and to find a way forward. Making attendance on the House optional, as last Friday’s vote did, will only make it harder to find consensus during times of disagreement.
I spoke out against this change on the House floor. To watch, click HERE or on the image below.
Since the first Congress met on March 4, 1789, through it all – bad roads, bad weather, invasion, the burning of the Capitol building, civil war, and depression – my predecessors, colleagues, and I have assembled to do the People's business.
I appreciate that these are unprecedented times, but House Democrats are using the current crisis to undermine our Constitution by changing more than 200 years of tradition by making attendance option to be able to vote.
The House has already proven that it can conduct its work on behalf of the American people during this outbreak by debating and voting on the House floor and participating in live and virtual committee activities.
I believe that when Congress decides to change the fundamentals, on which the body was founded, it should be done in a bipartisan manner.
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| Recognizing A Remarkable Life |
WWII Veteran Born in 1918 Recovers From COVID-19 |
Recently, I honored a true American patriot, 102-year old SSG John W. Jones (ret.). Not only is he a WWII veteran who was born in 1918, but he has also now miraculously recovered from COVID-19.
SSG Jones served in the Army, Company G, 184th infantry, and completed many campaigns, including in the Aleutian Islands, the Eastern Mandates, and the battle of Okinawa, before he was wounded in combat in 1945. He is the recipient of numerous medals and awards for his service, including the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and a Purple Heart.
Please join me in saluting this Arkansas hero.
WWII veteran John Jones holds a Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System coin presented to him in thanks for his service. |
| Paycheck Protection Program |
Loan Forgiveness Application Released
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The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application is available NOW. Click HERE to access the application.
As outlined on the application, to apply for forgiveness of your PPP loan, the borrower must complete the application as directed in the instructions and submit it to their Lender. Borrowers may also complete the application electronically through their Lender. Please reach out to your lender or my office as you have questions about the loan forgiveness application.
| Congratulations to future naval academy midshipman |
Congratulations to a Mount St. Mary Academy Graduate |
Over the weekend, I stopped by Cecilia Rech’s home to congratulate her on her graduation with honors from Mount St. Mary Academy and her appointment to the United States Naval Academy. It was my honor to nominate Cecilia, and I am pleased that she has been appointed.
She streamed her diploma reception for her distant family and relatives.
We removed our masks for a photo.
| Taiwan donating PPE to Arkansans |
100,000 Surgical Masks to Keep Arkansans Healthy |
For decades, Taiwan has had a special relationship with the United States and with Arkansas. Last week, Taiwan announced that they will be donating 100,000 surgical face masks to the people of Arkansas. I appreciate their gift and for standing with us during this difficult period.
Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin and Director General Peter Chen from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston shared the good news at the Arkansas Federal Surplus Property in North Little Rock.
| prioritizing mental health |
Mental Health and Abuse Services Available |
For many, the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis have added an immense amount of stress to daily life. Those who were on the road to recovery or were already struggling may now find themselves overwhelmed.
Please know that help is always available.
If you or a loved one need mental health or substance abuse services, please share this number and call the DHS Mental Health Support Line at 1-844-763-0198.
| Congressional Art competition |
Vote for the 2020 Fan Favorite Award
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For this year's Congressional Art Competition, my office received over 40 pieces of art from the talented high school students in central Arkansas.
Click HERE or on the image below to vote for your favorite to win the 2020 Fan Favorite Award.
Voting will close at 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 24.
| Deadline extended for firefighter grants |
Application for SAFER Grant Now Due May 27 |
Due to the economic hardships facing local jurisdictions and fire departments across the country because of COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has waived the cost-share, position cost limit, supplanting, and minimum budget requirements for the 2019 Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency and Response (SAFER) Grant applicants. In addition, the application period is being extended to May 27, 2020.
If you would like a grant support letter to assist you in securing a SAFER grant, please call my office at (501) 324-5941, or contact me HERE.
| Information for housing relief |
Housing Assistance During COVID-19 |
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched a new mortgage and housing assistance website, which you can access HERE.
CFPB, FHFA, and HUD are offering extensive CARES Act assistance and protection for Americans having trouble paying their mortgage or rent during the COVID-19 national health emergency. This joint website consolidates the CARES Act mortgage relief, protections for renters, resources for additional help, and information on how to avoid COVID-19 related scams. It also provides lookup tools for homeowners to determine if their mortgage is federally backed and for renters to find out if their rental unit is financed by FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac.
It is my honor to represent you in Congress. Please contact me at (501) 324-5941 or hill.house.gov if I may be of service to you.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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