Dear Friend,

I encourage all Arkansans who are not currently vaccinated for COVID-19 to consult with their doctor about getting vaccinated. This is especially important given the rise of the Delta variant.

Here are two important facts:

90.5% of current active COVID-19 cases in Arkansas are individuals not fully vaccinated.

98.3% of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Arkansas since January 26, 2021 are individuals not fully vaccinated.

The best way to combat the spread of COVID and keep Arkansans safe and healthy is by getting vaccinated.

The only way that we can fully reopen our economy and get truly back on our feet is with more people being vaccinated for COVID-19. Each FDA conditionally approved vaccine is backed by science and doctors who have worked hard over the past year to develop, manufacture, and distribute these critical, life-saving vaccines.

Please visit the Arkansas Department of Health for more information on where to get a vaccine.

CRISIS AT OUR SOUTHERN BORDER

In April, I took my seventh trip to the southern border in six years.

The conditions were the worst I’ve ever seen – backed up by Customs and Border Patrol estimates that:

in February 2021 alone, Mexican drug cartels pocketed a staggering $400 million from human trafficking.

since January 2021, the United States has seized enough deadly fentanyl to kill every American.

If that’s not a crisis, I don’t know what is.

I spoke on the House Floor about President Biden’s ineffective policies to control the situation. President Biden removed Trump-era policies that were working to reign in the flow of illegal immigration but replaced them with nothing. Further after naming her “Border Czar”, Vice President Kamala Harris finally visited the border in El Paso, Texas, nearly a thousand miles west of the most critical crossing area in the Rio Grande Valley – just four weeks ago!

It’s time for President Biden and Vice President Harris to work with Republicans on a strong national security plan and reform our broken, illegal immigration system.

Watch the full video below.

ALERT: SEVERE BACKOG FOR MILITARY RECORDS

The National Personal Records Center (NPRC) that provides military records is severely backlogged.

While I am holding the NPRC accountable for this backlog, central Arkansas veterans need to act today to request critical military records for when you do need them.

For example, I have learned that the families of veterans wishing to bury their loved ones in a veterans cemetery can’t because they don’t have the veteran’s DD214. Not only is this against the veteran’s and / or families’ wishes, the burial comes at a considerable cost to the family.

What you need to do: If you or a veteran you know need your military records, please contact me ASAP at (501) 324-5941; please do not wait until it is too late.

WOUNDED WARRIOR FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

I currently seek applications to fill the role of District Representative for Military and Veterans Affairs.

This position is available through the U.S. House of Representatives Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, a two-year full-time paid fellowship with the possibility of permanent full-time employment. The fellowship will provide veterans with experience and exposure to broaden their career opportunities. Fellows will help central Arkansans with matters before the federal government, including the Veterans Administration, and community organizations on behalf of central Arkansans.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter along with your most recent DD214 and a letter from the VA indicating a 30% or greater disability rating to housewoundedwarriors@mail.house.gov.

To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, please click HERE.

FEMA EMERGENCY FUNDS UPDATE

Burial and funeral services are critical parts of the healing process for families who have lost loved ones. FEMA has provided assistance for COVID-19 related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after January 20, 2020.

In Arkansas alone, $4,548,918 has been approved for 2,177 applications.

If someone you know passed away from COVID-19 and funeral assistance is needed, please contact FEMA for financial assistance HERE.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill