Washington was busy this week, with important work and discussions on economic development, national security, faith, and funding the government. I visited with the Conway Chamber of Commerce, advanced key legislation, ended the Democrat shutdown, took a trip to the White House, and continued my work to deliver on the issues that matter back home. Here is a look at what we were working on in Washington this week.

Conway Comes to Town

The Conway Chamber of Commerce held its annual fly-in this week, a time when local business and civic leaders travel to Washington to meet with the Arkansas delegation to discuss what’s happening around the city and the surrounding area, and the priorities for continued growth and prosperity.

The Chamber and local leaders have done an outstanding job promoting Conway and driving sustained economic development. It is no wonder the “City of Colleges” is the fastest-growing city in Arkansas and was recently ranked among the top 100 cities to live in by U.S. News & World Report.

During our roundtable discussion, we talked about infrastructure and water capacity, workforce development, housing supply, transportation needs, and ways to support continued private investment while maintaining the character of the community.

I also shared updates on my work in Washington, including efforts to make housing more affordable, conservation initiatives involving the Little Red River and White River, and my committee’s agenda to strengthen community banking, expand access to capital, and lower housing costs.

I was also able to lead the chamber members on a night tour of the Capitol, where we ran into my friend and fellow Arkansas Representative Bruce Westerman, who was leading a tour of his own. We joined forces, making for an even more memorable evening.

You never know what will happen when Conway comes to Washington, but you can be sure it’s always a good time. Thanks to Chamber President/CEO Brad Lacy, Executive Vice President Jamie Gates, and the entire Conway crew, who made the trip to Washington.

Securing Mineral Dominance

Strategic minerals are essential to America's industrial might and our national security. Two major steps were taken to strengthen America’s mineral independence and reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries.

First, President Trump announced "Project Vault," which will create an unprecedented, uniquely American decentralized approach to strengthen our critical minerals supply chains. The strategic mineral reserve will function similarly to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and ensure the United States has access to critical materials required to defend our nation and drive American prosperity.

I was invited to the White House for the announcement alongside congressional colleagues and members of President Trump’s Cabinet to talk about the importance of Project Vault.

Meanwhile, in the House, I voted for the Critical Mineral Dominance Act to codify three of President Trump’s executive orders that prioritize critical mineral development.

The bill directs the Department of the Interior to expedite permitting for priority mining projects and undo agency actions that have stalled domestic mining for years.

China currently controls roughly 90 percent of global critical mineral processing. That level of dependence puts both our national security and economic future at risk.

This legislation will unleash American mining after years of neglect from Washington and move projects from purgatory to production.

As advanced technologies and artificial intelligence become more central to our economy and defense, securing access to critical minerals is essential to America’s security and prosperity. The United States has the resources we need under our feet, and this bill helps ensure we can responsibly access them.

The 74th National Prayer Breakfast

For 74 years, American Presidents and our Congress have welcomed visitors from all around the world to pray together for our nation and leaders. And each year, Arkansans from across our state come up to participate.

I had the opportunity to attend both the Arkansas Prayer Breakfast and the National Prayer Breakfast. Our delegation loved meeting Arkansans here for the National Prayer Breakfast and reflecting on our shared values, the importance of religious freedom, and how decisions made here in Washington impact our country and the world.

It was a blessing to receive prayers from Arkansans and to pray together for our state and our nation.

Rep. Hill at the National Prayer Breakfast

Rep. Hill, Rep. Westerman, and Senator Boozman at the Arkansas Prayer Breakfast

A Few More Things of Note…

• My bipartisan Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act of 2025 (TASA Act) was passed by the House Committee on Space, Science, and Technology this week as an amendment to the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026. This bill strengthens U.S.-Taiwan cooperation and will encourage Taiwan to continue investing in its growing space capabilities.
• I submitted a statement in support of adding a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, calling for fiscal discipline and accountability after decades of overspending in Washington. Families, farmers, and small businesses in central Arkansas live within their means, and the federal government should do the same.
• I had the opportunity to meet with Kevin Howard, Director of Little Rock Housing and Neighborhood Programs, and other members of the Arkansas chapter of the National Community Development Association. We discussed the work my committee is doing to lower the cost of housing and the importance of Community Development Block Grants in supporting working families and revitalizing neighborhoods.

 Rep. Hill meets with members of the Arkansas chapter of the National Community Development Association.

Last week’s Trivia: Roughly what percentage of Americans paid federal income tax when it was first enacted in 1913?

s? A) Less than 3%

57.4% of respondents answered correctly. (25.6% selected "10-15%")

The Presidential 1776 Award is a spelling bee-like competition where students demonstrate their understanding of America's founding era. With scholarship prizes ranging from $25,000 – $150,000, this is your chance to shine on a national stage.

Click on the photo below for more information. The deadline to register is February 22, 2026.

The Small Business Administration is reminding Arkansas small businesses and private nonprofit organizations that relief is still available following severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred April 2–22, 2025.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans can help cover operating expenses and are available even if no physical damage occurred.

The disaster declaration covers several counties in Arkansas’s Second Congressional District, including:

• Pulaski County
• Saline County
• Faulkner County
• Perry County
• White County

The deadline to apply is February 23, 2026. To learn more or apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955.

Submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition are now open!

This competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent from across central Arkansas, with the winning artwork displayed for a year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

I will again be hosting a “Fan Favorite” award, where central Arkansans can vote for their favorite piece. The artwork that wins Fan Favorite will be displayed in my Little Rock office.

This challenge is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 who live in Arkansas’s Second Congressional District. The deadline to submit artwork to my office is Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 pm CST.

One small change from years past: Students are no longer required to submit a photo of themselves with their artwork.

For more information and full submission instructions, click HERE.

          Last year's winner, “Beyond the Familiar" by Amber Bae.

My office can arrange tours of the Capitol and many other sights in Washington, D.C., on behalf of you and your family during your stay. Please note: White House tours require Real IDs or other accepted forms of ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID.

If you and your loved ones are planning on visiting Washington, D.C. in the coming months, I recommend you reach out to my office to request tours as soon as possible HERE.

If you have any questions about your visit to Washington, D.C., please call my D.C. office at (202) 225-2506.