Dear Friends,

On Sunday afternoon and again Thursday, I shared publicly my thoughts on the tragic death of George Floyd. We are shocked and horrified by the death of George Floyd, and I was glad that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison took prompt action to initiate the murder prosecution.

Now is a time of reflection of our past, and every community must reach out to their neighbors in order to better understand the pain of those who have suffered from discrimination. We have had a good dialogue in recent years in our neighborhoods to curb violence, engage in community policing, and become more inclusive. But we have much, much more to do. Only by addressing and debating these issues peacefully will we have a chance to heal and come together.

On Thursday, I joined Kevin Miller on Newsradio 102.9 KARN to discuss the protests taking place around Little Rock and elsewhere. To listen to the entire interview, click HERE or on the image below.

Celebrating the 76th anniversary of d-day

Honoring our Greatest Generation

Today, on the 76th Anniversary of D-Day, we celebrate the brave soldiers who gave everything as they stormed the beaches of Nazi-occupied Normandy to fight against tyranny and defend freedom.

Earlier this year, in February, I met with Steve Melnikoff, a 100-year-old D-Day veteran and remarkable gentleman.

He stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and fought across Europe, despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

May we never forget the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation who changed the course of history forever.

providing food security for Arkansas families

Assisting USDA Food Distribution at Southwest Community Center

My thanks to Director Joan Adcock for inviting me to lend a hand distributing much-needed food at the Southwest Community Center in Little Rock. It was good to see the funding I supported in March in the CARES Act in action providing much-needed food security for Arkansas families. I was proud to serve alongside community members Joan, Maria Wayrens from First Security Bank who specializes in Community Outreach, and Shawn Johnson, volunteers from K Hall & Sons Produce, and Director Kathy Webb.

Left to right: Congressman French Hill, Director Joan Adcock, Maria Wayrens Community Outreach/Business Development at First Security Bank, and Shawn Johnson.

Congressman French Hill speaking to Director Kathy Webb.

Military academy send-off

Congratulating Central Arkansas's Finest

Our service academies are gateways for exceptional young people to pursue rewarding careers in serving their country.

It is my honor as a member of Congress, to be involved in the admissions process by nominating candidates for consideration. Each of these students has excelled academically and is the embodiment of leadership. I am inspired by their dedication to our country and look forward to their representing Arkansas well as they go on to bravely serve our nation.

Each year, students from all over the country are nominated by Members of Congress to attend four of the Unites States’ service academies. Those accepted are awarded a full four-year scholarship, which includes tuition, housing, and books.

Last night, I was proud to hold a socially distanced send-off reception for these outstanding young men and women.

The 2020 appointments from Arkansas’s Second Congressional District are as follows:

United States Air Force Academy

Bryson A. Brown of North Little Rock, North Little Rock High School

Mason E. Carlan of North Little Rock, North Little Rock High School, recruited to play football

Joshua C. James of Searcy, Harding Academy and Arkansas State University: Beebe

Caleb C. McGill of Mayflower, Maumelle Charter High School

Matthew G. Shofner of Conway, Catholic High School for Boys

Left to right: Caleb C. McGill, Mason E. Carlan, Congressman French Hill, Matthew G. Shofner, Bryson A. Brown, and Joshua C. James.

United States Naval Academy

Brooke S. Green of Little Rock, Little Rock Christian High School

Cecelia R. Rech of Little Rock, Mount St. Mary Academy

Left to right: Cecelia R. Rech, Congressman French Hill, and Brooke S. Green.

United States Military Academy

Elijah N. Bailey of Conway, St. Joseph’s High School

McKenzie N. Muse of Alexander, Bryant High School, Arkansas’s first recruit to play women’s basketball

Left to right: McKenzie N. Muse, Congressman French Hill, and Elijah N. Bailey.

Conway County Being Considered for EDA Grant

Support for Central Arkansas Levee

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently selected Conway County through EDA’s competitive process for further consideration for a $1,500,000 grant award to support Conway County Levee District 6.

I was pleased to support Conway County's application through a grant support letter, and I will continue to support them in this final consideration phase. After last spring's historic floods, this grant could go a long way to prepare Arkansas for future flooding incidents. I commend central Arkansas's county judges such as Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart for their work to prepare and protect our citizens.

Strong May Jobs Report

American Economy Coming Back to Life

Friday's jobs report of 2.5 million jobs added in May lends optimism. This is the upward movement that we have been waiting for. The American economy is coming back to life, and Americans are getting back to work.

The careful opening of our economy with citizens armed with the information to work and carry on safely will see us through this public health and economic crisis.

To read more, click HERE or on the image below.

Employment Situation Summary

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