Dear Friend,

As 2022 gets underway, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what my team has accomplished for central Arkansans in 2021.

Highlights include:

• $2,588,210.07 in earned benefits being returned to 636 central Arkansas veterans
• 1,406 constituents assisted with $2.57 million in pending tax returns
• $3.5 million in grants for central Arkansas non-profits

If you need help with a federal agency, please reach out to my office for help. Please complete the form here, or call my office at (501) 324-5941, and a member of my office will get back to you.

I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish for central Arkansans in 2021, and excited to see what we accomplish in 2022.

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit in the left seat of the Lockheed C130J flight simulator at the Little Rock Air Force Base. I enjoyed joining my friend and C130J flight instructor, Major Joe Hunt, and learning about the simulator and the rigorous training our airmen and women go through to ensure our safety.

Needless to say, Maj. Hunt recommended that I not quit my day job!

As the Omicron variant continues to spread, the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to consult with your doctor and consider getting vaccinated or consider receiving a booster shot if you’re eligible. To date, 53% of Arkansans 5 years old and up are fully vaccinated.

Currently, there are over 27,000 Arkansans with an active case of COVID-19. Over 700 Arkansans are hospitalized due to COVID-19 and sadly, 9,221 Arkansans have lost their lives due to COVID-19.

Vaccines are available across the state for everyone age five and over and boosters are available to those 16 and older who received the Pfizer vaccine and 18 and older to those who received the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccines. More information on boosters can be found HERE.

To find a vaccine near you click HERE or call 1-800-803-7847 for assistance finding a vaccine in your area.

As you consider upcoming travel, I encourage you to take a moment and review your passport – now is the time to renew it. Routine processing now takes 8-11 weeks and expedited processing now takes 5-7 weeks.

If you already have a passport that is not damaged, was issued in the past 15 years, was received after your 16th birthday, and has your same name, you can apply for a passport renewal by mail HERE. If you need assistance with this process or any passport-related information, such as how to expedite applications or documents to include with your renewal application packet, please reach out to my office at (501) 324-5941.

If you need your passport in less than 10-12 weeks due to international travel plans, you can pay an additional $60 fees to Department of State to expedite your passport renewal.

For more passport related information, please visit the Passport Renewal Page at the U.S. Consular Affairs Website or my website.