In our first full week following the shutdown, things on Capitol Hill were busy. Long days, late nights, and important votes. But that’s what’s needed to make sure we are delivering for Americans, no matter the obstacles. Here are several items of note that matter to you and your families.

Honoring an Arkansas Hero

I am extremely proud to be an original cosponsor of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, which was introduced in the House this week.

This bill finally gives catastrophically disabled veterans and the surviving families of those who gave their lives the meaningful increase in support they should have had years ago.

For too long, families like the Brileys and the Edmundsons have carried the weight of loss and life-changing injuries without the support they needed. They deserve better, and this bill moves us in the right direction.

Here in central Arkansas, the Briley story is part of who we are. Donovan “Bull” Briley grew up in our community, served with honor, and gave his life in service to our country. Naming this bill in honor of his wife, Sharri, is a fitting and heartfelt tribute to his memory and to her tireless advocacy on behalf of surviving spouses.

Energy Dominance

The House passed several bills this week that will help lower energy prices. The first package I voted for repealed several harmful Biden Administration rules that stifled American energy production. I also voted to pass several bills that will open new areas for exploration and possible drilling, increase domestic liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to our allies, and look at ways to revitalize refining capacity, which has decreased in the past few years, in the United States.

These measures are part of the broader “Energy Dominance” agenda that will boost production, strengthen our energy independence, increase supply, and drive down energy costs for Arkansas families.

Release the Epstein Files

This week, I joined all but one of my colleagues in the House to vote in favor of releasing the Epstein files. The bill was promptly passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Trump. The Department of Justice now has 30 days to release the files.

As I have consistently said, the American people deserve transparency, the victims deserve justice, and those who participated in these heinous crimes should be held accountable.

I have also said that the victims, as well as those named in the files who had nothing to do with Epstein’s horrific crimes, must have their privacy protected. The victims should not be retraumatized, and innocent bystanders should not have their reputations dragged through the mud.

Waters of the United States (WOTUS)

The EPA rolled out a new WOTUS proposal this week, and it’s a big win for farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and small businesses across the Natural State.

For years, folks back home have dealt with confusing rules, endless red tape, and surprise federal permits just to work on their own property. This proposal finally brings some long-overdue clarity.

A clear definition means fewer headaches, fewer lawyers, and more freedom for Arkansans to farm, build, and manage their land without needless federal interference. If you want to learn more about why this is so important, click HERE.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it will release a second round of disaster relief funding for farmers who experienced losses in 2023 or 2024 due to natural disasters.

What It Is

The American Relief Act of 2025 provides more than $16 billion in disaster relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines due to qualifying disaster events in calendar years 2023 and 2024.

How It Works

The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) will be administered in two stages. Producers can receive payments in both stages, if applicable, and for one or both years, depending on losses.

This month is a reminder that screening for lung cancer saves lives, but awareness is often what’s missing. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States, with an estimated 226,000 new cases expected in 2025. Yet fewer than 6 percent of eligible Americans receive routine screenings.

A simple, low-dose CT scan can detect lung cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Annual screening is recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

If you or a loved one meets these guidelines, talk with your doctor about scheduling a screening. You can also learn more about risk factors, prevention, and coverage for screenings by clicking HERE.

Last week, the White House announced that public tours will resume on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

In celebration of the holiday season, all December tours will showcase the White House Christmas decorations on the State Floor.

If you’re interested in visiting, my office can assist with submitting a tour request on your behalf. Tour availabilities for December will open 30 days before each date, and January 2026 tours are expected to be released in December.

Last week’s Trivia: What Was Veterans Day Originally Called When It Was First Established in 1919? B) Armistice Day

69.9% of respondents answered correctly. (19.6% answered Remembrance Day)