Friends,
I came to Washington to deliver results on the priorities that matter most to central Arkansas. Making sure our veterans are properly cared for, keeping our military the strongest in the world, and building a vibrant, dynamic economy where Arkansas families and small businesses can thrive have all been central to that mission.
Another key priority has been conservation. I grew up loving everything the Natural State has to offer, from hunting and fishing to hiking and exploring the trails that make Arkansas such a special place.
That’s why I’ve spent years working to expand the Flatside Wilderness Area, fulfilling the original vision set more than forty years ago to protect this stretch of the Ouachita National Forest so future generations can enjoy the hiking, hunting, and views that make it such a special place. |
Helping Perry County take ownership of a long-vacant U.S. Forest Service building in Perryville has been another priority that has been years in the making. The project gives the community much-needed space for youth, agriculture, and conservation programs while saving the federal government money.
This week, both of these bills took another step forward after passing through the Senate Agriculture Committee with unanimous, bipartisan support. That means both have now cleared committee in the House and Senate, and the Flatside bill has already passed the full House.
I’m proud of the progress we’re making to protect Arkansas’s natural beauty while strengthening local communities. Special thanks to my Arkansas colleagues, Rep. Bruce Westerman for his partnership in the House and Senator John Boozman for his leadership in advancing these Arkansas priorities. |
The farming crisis doesn’t stop just because Washington does. Across Arkansas, rising input costs, weaker commodity prices, and tightening credit have left many farmers facing difficult choices as they head into 2025.
That’s why this week, I hosted an agriculture roundtable with farmers, Farm Credit associations, community bankers, and representatives from Arkansas agriculture groups to discuss the financial pressures facing our state’s farm economy. We had a frank discussion about how these challenges are affecting farmers, lenders, and rural communities, and what steps we can take at both the state and federal levels to ease the strain.
Many thanks to the Arkansas Farm Bureau for providing the venue for this important discussion. Thanks as well to Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward and State Bank Commissioner Susannah Marshall for their participation. |
Participants spoke about the growing pressure on farm loans, the need for short-term flexibility from lenders, and how the One Big Beautiful Bill, which passed the House in July, will strengthen the farm safety net through improved crop insurance and updated reference prices once its provisions take effect in 2026.
Arkansas farmers have weathered droughts, floods, and price swings before, but after four consecutive tough years, the pressure is becoming untenable. Our farmers need help. An estimated one in three farms is at risk of bankruptcy.
That’s why it’s critical that Senate Democrats end their shutdown soon so we can finish work on the “skinny” farm bill and help our agricultural communities weather this storm. |
As the Democrat shutdown enters its fifth week, I want to assure you that my office in Little Rock remains open and working for you. While our ability to assist is more limited than usual because of delays and closures caused by the shutdown, my team is still getting things done for central Arkansans.
Recently, we helped a family secure critical in-home care for a disabled veteran, ensuring he received the personal support he needed during a difficult time.
Another constituent reached out seeking help obtaining her late father’s military records so he could receive the honors he earned through his service, and my team made sure that happened before his funeral.
Even in the middle of a shutdown, we continue to serve our veterans and to help families across the district cut through red tape and get the assistance they need.
If you need help with a federal agency, please call my office at (501) 324-5941 or click HERE. |
This week in history: On October 19, 1781, British forces surrendered at Yorktown, effectively ending the Revolutionary War. The victory secured America's independence and showed the grit and determination that still define our people today. As we approach America's 250th anniversary, Yorktown reminds us that no challenge is too great for Americans. Since the very beginning, we have fought against the odds to achieve the impossible. From Yorktown to today, it's that spirit that continues to drive our nation forward. |
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WHICH BRITISH GENERAL SURRENDERED TO GEORGE WASHINGTON AT YORKTOWN IN 1781?
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Last week’s Trivia: Which Civil War battle, fought in NW Arkansas in March 1862, helped the Union secure Missouri? B) Battle of Pea Ridge
58.4% of respondents answered correctly. |
2025 Congressional App Challenge
Students can still apply to participate in the annual Congressional App Challenge, but the deadline is rapidly approaching.
Since its launch in 2014, the App Challenge has provided a platform for young innovators to engage with computer science and sharpen their skills through hands-on learning and friendly competition.
This nationwide initiative encourages middle and high school students to design and submit their own original apps for the chance to earn national recognition. Participants may compete individually or in teams of up to four.
Winners will have their work recognized by Congress and may have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol.
Deadline: October 30th, 2025, at 12:00 pm ET
To learn more, click HERE or contact my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941. |
Due to the government shutdown, Capitol Tours have been suspended.
However, once Senate Democrats vote to reopen the government, 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: As of May 7, 2025, White House tours will require Real IDs or other accepted ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID.
In the spring and summer months, tours for the Capitol fill up quickly. 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. |
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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