Friends,
Every time you open a bank account, apply for a loan, or sign up for a new app, you hand over personal information. Your name. Your address. Your financial history. Right now, most Americans have little say in what happens to that data after it leaves their hands.
As Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, I’m working to change that.
This week, my committee introduced the GUARD Financial Data Act, landmark legislation to give Americans more control over their personal financial data. Alongside the Energy and Commerce Committee’s SECURE Data Act, House Republicans are working toward a unified national standard for data privacy.
Here’s what that means for you: - The right to know what data companies hold about you
- The right to request deletion of certain data
- Limits on collecting information that companies don’t need
- Stronger protections for sensitive personal information
For Arkansans, this is also about security. Data breaches and identity theft cost families real money and can take years to resolve.
These bills would create clear rules, hold institutions accountable, and make it harder for bad actors to exploit gaps in today’s patchwork system.
The bottom line: Washington is finally catching up to the digital age, and as Chairman, I’m making sure Arkansans are protected. |
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
It is always a great week when the Arkansas State Chamber comes to town for its annual fly-in. This year's 66th Annual Washington Fly-In was no different.
I spoke at their breakfast on Capitol Hill alongside my fellow Arkansas Representatives Crawford, Womack, and Westerman. I also had the chance to visit with a lot of great Arkansans, including a group of engineering students from Arkansas State University who shared their perspectives on the issues shaping their communities.
During the week, my team and I met with Chamber members to discuss workforce development, tax policy, infrastructure investment, and what Congress is doing to support a strong business climate for Arkansas entrepreneurs, business leaders, and young people seeking a great career.
These conversations matter. Staying connected to the people driving Arkansas's economy is one of the most important things I can do in this job.
And of course, the highlight of the week is always the reception where entertainment is provided by Arkansas's own Triple Nickel, fronted by Rep. Crawford.
His band seems to get a little bit louder every year, but it never gets old! |
Arkansas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
It was a pleasure to meet with the Arkansas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers on Wednesday and discuss the issues that matter most to sportsmen and women across Arkansas. We talked about protecting and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and encouraging kids to spend less time on their phones and more time outside. I sure appreciate Rick Spicer, co-owner of Fayetteville's iconic Pack Rat Outdoor Center, coming by to advocate.
Hunting, fishing, and hiking have been lifelong passions of mine. I enjoyed them with my father and grandfather growing up in Arkansas, and I’ve been proud to pass my love of the outdoors on to my own children. These activities bring families and communities together and play an important role in conservation.
Ensuring future generations can enjoy the same opportunities we have had is a responsibility we all share. And it’s one I take seriously as your congressman. |
Arkansas Cattlemen's Association
With their cowboy hats, you can always spot the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association on Capitol Hill. I met with them this week to discuss key issues impacting producers across the state. The conversation focused on protecting livestock, the upcoming Farm Bill, and drought relief. With the House working to finalize the Farm Bill in the coming weeks, I remain committed to the farmers and ranchers of Arkansas and will keep fighting to make sure Washington has their back. |
Gold Star Spouses of America
For their second annual legislative fly-in, I was honored to sit down with the Gold Star Spouses of America, an organization comprised of surviving spouses of fallen service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
I had the opportunity to speak with Little Rock native, Sharri Briley, the surviving spouse of CW3 Donovan Lee "Bull" Briley, an Army Special Operations Black Hawk helicopter pilot killed in Somalia in 1993. Mrs. Briley has made it her life's mission to honor fellow servicemembers and their families. Through Gold Star Spouses of America, surviving families are brought together for support and connected with critical resources like survivor benefits and services.
As a proud cosponsor of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act -- which has already passed committee -- I will keep fighting to see this bill signed into law and deliver the long-overdue benefits these families have earned. |
As Financial Literacy Month wraps up, I want to talk about a danger that threatens Americans from coast to coast: financial fraud. As FSC Chairman, pushing for stronger safeguards against financial scams and payment fraud is a top priority.
Every day, bad actors exploit gaps in our digital payment systems and drain taxpayer-funded programs.
That's why organizations like Economics Arkansas matter. Founded in 1962 by Arkansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Arch Ford and first executive director Dr. Bessie B. Moore, this Little Rock nonprofit has spent over six decades teaching Pre K-12 educators how to build economic and financial literacy in their classrooms.
Executive Director Kathleen Lawson carries that mission forward: financial literacy is "an essential part of a strong economic education. When students understand not just how to manage money, but how markets work, how decisions are made, and how to evaluate risk, they are better prepared for life." That includes recognizing fraud and protecting their personal information in an increasingly digital economy, equipping them to contribute to a stronger, more prosperous Arkansas.
As we close out Financial Literacy Month, I remain committed to strengthening financial education and combating fraud, so every Arkansan is better equipped to protect their future. |
The House has been hard at work this Congress, and the Financial Services Committee is out front. Thanks to the hard work of our FSC subcommittee chairmen and members, my committee has marked up 112 bills and reported 106 to the full House floor, more than nearly every other committee in Congress. In fact, the two most productive House committees are both chaired by Arkansans (FSC and the Natural Resources Committee, Chaired by Rep. Bruce Westerman).
That is not a coincidence. It's a reflection of the results-driven leadership that voters like you send to Washington and our dedication to deliver results for the people we serve. |
This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week. Every day, men and women across Arkansas are working just feet from high-speed traffic to repair and maintain the roads we rely on. Too many lives are lost in work zone accidents that are entirely preventable. Slow down, follow posted signs, and give these workers the respect they deserve. A few seconds of caution can save a life. |
Rep. Hill with Bob Cook from Garver Engineering discussing the importance of supporting infrastructure throughout Arkansas and work zone safety. |
Last weekend marked the 251st anniversary of one of the most dramatic nights in American history. On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere and William Dawes rode through the darkened Massachusetts countryside warning colonial militiamen that British troops were on the march. The next morning, at Lexington and Concord, those same militiamen stood their ground, and the shot heard round the world launched the American Revolution.
Our nation was forged by courageous men and women who risked everything to throw off the yoke of tyranny and to claim their liberty and embrace a government of, by, and for the people.
As we continue our countdown to America's 250th birthday, these are the stories worth remembering. |
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The Battle of Lexington, 19 April 1775 by William Barnes Wollen, 1910 |
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On the night of Paul Revere's midnight ride, what did the two signal lanterns hung in the Old North Church mean?
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Last week’s Trivia: What was the other Revolutionary War battle fought west of the Mississippi? C) The Battle of St. Louis (1780)
60.4% of respondents answered correctly. |
As many of you may have noticed, I am really enjoying celebrating America's 250th birthday. From the inspiring stories from our founding era and American history trivia that we include in the weekly newsletter to the posts across my social media channels and A250 events in Arkansas and our Nation’s Capital, America's semiquicentennial gives me the chance to share my love of our history and our nation. It is also an opportunity for me to hear from the next generation about what America means to them.
That is why I am excited to announce the America250 Essay Contest, open to students in grades 6 through 12 across central Arkansas.
There are three divisions: - 6th and 7th grade: Up to 500 words
- 8th and 9th grade: Up to 750 words
- 10th through 12th grade: Up to 1,000 words
Here are the essay prompts:
6th and 7th grade: Who is your favorite Founder (man or woman) and why do you admire them?
8th through 12th grade:
After traveling throughout America in 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville observed that America was exceptional and unique in history: a nation founded not on ethnicity or a shared ancestry, but on the ideals of liberty, self-governance, and equality under God. How have these ideals contributed to America's greatness?
The deadline to submit is May 24, 2026 at 5 PM CT.
All submissions must be made through the submission forms below: 6th-7th grade 8th-9th grade 10th-12th grade
For additional information, including prize information, click HERE.
Spread the word to a student, teacher, or parent you know. The next great American voice might be right here in Arkansas. |
April is National Financial Literacy Month, a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about a topic near and dear to me: the importance of responsible financial decision-making and the tools available to help families succeed. As a former community banker, I have seen firsthand the dividends that financial literacy can pay.
Knowing how to budget and invest, understanding the importance of saving, and being prepared for financial challenges are skills that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Arkansans.
It is never too early, or too late, to learn how to manage your finances and prepare for the future. There are resources across the district to help individuals and families build a solid financial foundation.
For a list of financial literacy resources, visit the Arkansas Financial Education Commission, or call my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941. |
Kids born between January 2025 and December 2028 are eligible for a federal contribution into a “Trump Account.” More than 4 million Americans have already opened accounts, which will begin receiving funding starting the Fourth of July this year, so don’t delay.
This is also an opportunity for philanthropists to invest directly in the next generation, with leaders like Michael and Susan Dell and Ray and Barbara Dalio already stepping up to help fund these accounts. Through Treasury’s “50 State Challenge,” more private-sector leaders are being encouraged to get involved and support children and families across the country.
Families can sign their kids up for a Trump Account using the IRS Form 4547 as they file their taxes. To learn more, click HERE or call my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941. |
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. |
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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