Friends, I have some exciting news to share! After years of misguided policies that drove up prices and stretched family budgets, we are starting to see real momentum behind efforts to make life more affordable. That progress begins with smart, pro-growth policies that help hardworking Arkansans and our small businesses, like my bipartisan INVEST Act, which passed the House this week. Before representing Arkansas’s Second District in Congress, I spent years as a community banker and investment advisor in central Arkansas, and I saw firsthand how outdated rules kept hardworking Arkansans from participating in private investment opportunities, how much of venture capital remains on the coasts, and how businesses struggled to tap the investment resources they needed to grow. As Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, one of my main priorities is to tackle those challenges and level the playing field so the American Dream is within reach for every family and community in our state and across the nation. The INVEST Act will expand investment opportunities for all Arkansans, allow families to save more for retirement, help businesses grow, and help states like Arkansas attract capital like never before. Leaders across our district have echoed this point. One Arkansas venture fund manager noted that talent is everywhere, but access to early-stage capital is not. By modernizing outdated rules, expanding who can invest, and reducing the red tape that holds back innovation in rural communities and the heartland, the INVEST Act helps close that gap. There is no single silver bullet that will solve all of today’s cost of living challenges, but bills like the INVEST Act, combined with tax relief, unleashing American energy, and getting government red tape off the backs of our small businesses, are helping us recover from the disastrous economic policies of the previous administration. There is more work ahead, so stay tuned. To watch Rep. Hill speak in support of the INVEST Act on the House floor, click HERE. |
One of my primary responsibilities as a member of Congress is to make sure the men and women who serve in our armed forces have the support they need to carry out their mission.
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House this week, does just that. It authorizes over $900 billion and provides critical investments in weapons systems, training, readiness, and modernization.
It also takes care of servicemembers and their families through a well-deserved pay raise and enhanced child care support. Most importantly, it ensures our troops have the tools required to deter threats and defend our nation.
I am also proud that several provisions I authored were included in the NDAA: - Ensuring Camp Robinson remains the home of the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center and Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) accreditation.
- A measure that requires the Air Force to submit a report on C-130J modernization and recapitalization efforts, which will position Little Rock Air Force Base to support the full transition to the J model, strengthen training programs, and maintain its role as the nation’s premier tactical airlift installation; and
- My bill, the Countering Wrongful Detention Act, which strengthens our ability to deter and punish those bad actors who seek to use Americans as political pawns.
Additional Wins for Arkansas Include: - A 3.8 percent pay increase for all servicemembers
- Support for Arkansas’s defense industrial base through expanded production lines and modernization
- A required evaluation of U.S. munitions stockpiles, many of which are produced by contractors in Arkansas
- Expanded childcare capacity, hiring, and support for military families
- Expanded parental and convalescent leave policies
- Investments in military housing and education programs
- New standards and corrective action requirements for unsafe barracks
- Expanded telehealth and mail order pharmacy access for servicemembers and veterans
- Improvements to TRICARE to reduce delays and close persistent coverage gaps
- Strengthened integration of small businesses in defense programs
- Continued support for federal and state counterdrug operations
- Enhanced tools to prevent fentanyl from crossing our borders
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In addition to leading the INVEST Act through my committee, I also introduced the bipartisan HIRE Act this week to help our fellow citizens who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments return to work if they choose to.
People with disabilities deserve a fair shot at meaningful work, yet the current SSDI system often makes it harder for them to find a job. The HIRE Act helps remove those barriers. It encourages employers to hire SSDI recipients and supports individuals who want the opportunity to rejoin the workforce. This is a practical and commonsense step that helps businesses fill open positions and helps people build purpose, community, and economic independence.
Here are some of the people the HIRE Act will help: - Veterans
- Formerly incarcerated individuals
- Those experiencing long-term unemployment
- Supplemental Security Income recipients
I was proud to join with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to advance this important legislation. |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a new $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program to help farmers deal with market and cost challenges this year. Under this program, about $11 billion will go to row-crop producers, including corn, soybeans, rice, and cotton, which are especially important for Arkansas farmers. Another $1 billion is set aside for specialty crops and other commodities. To be eligible, farmers must report their 2025 acreage by 4 p.m. CT on December 19, 2025, and commodity-specific payment rates are expected to be released later this month. Payments are scheduled to be issued by February 28, 2026, based on planted acres, production costs, and other economic data. The program is run through the Farm Service Agency under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, and farmers with questions can email farmerbridge@usda.gov for help or contact my office by clicking HERE or calling (509) 324-594. In more good news for our farmers, Congress extended the 2018 Farm Bill for another year, which keeps key safety-net, price support, and conservation programs in place while lawmakers work on a full long-term bill. This extension helps ensure farmers continue to have access to vital federal programs as they plan for the next crop year. |
Each year, the Congressional App Challenge gives middle and high school students across the country the chance to design their own original software applications and showcase their creativity and technical skills. The challenge helps inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, and I am always proud of the outstanding work submitted by students here in central Arkansas. This year, we had another strong group of competitors, and I had the chance to meet and congratulate our finalists at a reception last Friday, which also happened to be my birthday. It was a great way to celebrate, spending time with the students, their parents, and teachers, and recognizing their hard work and achievements. I am excited to announce the winners for Arkansas’s Second District: 🥇 1st Place: “ConwayUP” Student: Caroline Chrysler, Conway High School 🥈 2nd Place: “Sprout” Students: Amrita Choudhary and Saloni Choudhary, Little Rock Central High School (Amrita and Saloni's Father accepted on their behalf) 🥉 3rd Place: “Campus Compass” Student: Anant Borad, Maumelle Charter High School Honorable Mention: “Embrace” Students: Riley Hodges, Luke Luccketta, and Melanie Stephenson, eStem High School These apps reflect impressive skill, problem-solving, and creativity. I want to thank our judges for volunteering their time and expertise: - Daniel Schutte, VP of Strategic Partnerships, The Venture Center
- Thomas Wallace, Web Design and Development / IT Program Coordinator, UA Little Rock
- Dr. Jeff Standridge, Managing Director, The Conductor in Conway
I am proud of every student who participated in this year’s challenge. Your talent and hard work show that Arkansas students are ready to lead in technology and innovation. I look forward to seeing what our young creators develop next year! |
The holiday season is in full swing, and last week, Martha and I had a wonderful time at the annual lighting of the State Capitol here in Little Rock. It’s one of my favorite times of the year in Arkansas, full of friends, family, and laughter, and when our communities come together to celebrate the joy of the season. |
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WHAT YEAR DID ARKANSAS HOLD ITS FIRST STATE CAPITOL CHRISTMAS LIGHTING?
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Last week’s Trivia: Which of the following is a motto of the Arkansas National Guard? A) Arkansas First
31.3% of respondents answered correctly. (28.5% selected "Stronger Together," 24.7% selected "Valor in Service") |
Capitol Tours have resumed!
Now that the government is open again, 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 will require Real IDs or other accepted 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. |
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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