Dear Friends,
Since August, we’ve needed a second round of targeted assistance – to help schools safely re-open, to extend the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses that are still struggling, and to continue funding our fight against this pandemic.
In the shadow of an upcoming election, the negotiations were not done in good faith, and a targeted, bipartisan solution in the spirit of the CARES Act has proved challenging.
When I started to study the details of the more than 2,000 page "HEROES 2.0" bill, I quickly discovered it was full of far-left progressive poison pill provisions, many of which have nothing to do with our response to the pandemic. I covered some examples in the video below, which you can watch by clicking HERE or on the image.
Rather than working together in divided government on legislation that will move our country forward, House Democrats once again have brought a bill to the floor that has zero chance of becoming law.
This is not a real deal nor is it a good faith effort. This legislation divides us more than it unites us.
In divided government, we must put forth legislation that will move our country forward and put the American people above political games.
The House cannot act alone. Let’s work together as Americans and actually get much needed bipartisan legislation signed into law.
We’ve already proven how much good we can accomplish for the American people when we work together.
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| Holding China accountable |
My Legislation Included in Report Recommendations |
Yesterday, I was pleased that two of my bills – the SAVE Act, and the Ensuring Chinese Debt Transparency Act – included in the House China Task Force report, The report is a set of detailed recommendations to increase national security and hold China accountable.
The Chinese Communist Party has continually proven that it is an unreliable partner in global affairs, and it must be held to the same high standards as other nations. I commend the House China Task Force for taking the initiative and releasing this important analysis calling for a commonsense approach to the threat that China poses.
My bills would be part of the solution, including removing our dependence on China for medical supplies and developing a global effort to ensure more scrutiny of China as a major creditor nation.
By taking these initiatives, the United States strengthens our economy and defends the American people while providing a much-needed check on China’s bad intent.
| DOJ grant awarded to Restore Hope Arkansas |
Supporting Reentry Into Our Communities |
I am pleased that Restore Hope Arkansas has been awarded a $750,000 grant as part of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program. This program is part of the First Step Act – now law – that I was proud to have supported.
Restore Hope will use these funds to provide a year of evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy in combination with college-level educational engagement to allow inmates reentering society a better chance of success. Their partnership with Arkansas Community Correction, Hidden Creek Reentry Center, Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas Adult Education, and Arkansas Baptist College will give Arkansans integrating into their communities the tools they need to become independent.
For the last three Congresses, I have been proud to introduce the Shift Back to Society Act, which, inspired by the work of Arkansas Baptist College, creates a similar pilot program at the U.S. Department of Justice to provide grants to HBCUs to implement educational programs for eligible offenders and help them successfully transition back into their communities.
| Arkansas Bank Commissioner retiring |
Congratulating Candace Franks for Her Four Decades of Service to Arkansas |
Recently, I took to the House Floor to recognize Arkansas Bank Commissioner Candace Franks for her lifetime of service to our state.
Candace has been a trailblazer in many regards. She is the first woman to serve as the Arkansas Bank Commissioner in its 107-year history, the first professional bank regulator to serve in the position, and the longest-serving commissioner as well.
I thank Candace Franks for her tireless service serving Arkansas consumers and for her long devotion to Arkansas.
| discussing education in Arkansas |
Meeting with Arkansas Education Association Director |
I was glad to meet virtually with Carol Fleming, President of the Arkansas Education Association, and Brenda Robinson, Arkansas Director of the National Education Association yesterday afternoon. This semester has been challenging for teachers, students, and parents as we have had to adapt to keep students and staff healthy.
Hearing how I can best support Arkansas education directly from teachers and administrative staff who have been on the ground about how I can best support Arkansas education is valuable to best represent Arkansas's educators. Today we discussed the need for teachers to have adequate PPE, and how to help close the homework gap between students who have the resources to complete work at home and those who may need more support while in school.
| Arkansas Department of Health guidance |
How to Access COVID-19 Testing in Arkansas |
If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath OR if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, testing is available.
Call ahead to your health care provider or schedule a test at a Local Health Unit, HERE.
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, testing capacity for COVID-19 at commercial labs has increased significantly over the past week. This means a shorter turnaround time for results for you.
You can find a full list of Local Health Unit COVID-19 Testing Locations HERE.
You should also know that test providers must publish the cash price of tests on their websites so that Arkansans are not faced with surprise charges related to COVID-19 testing.
It is my honor to represent you in Congress.
Please contact me at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov if I may be of service to you.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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