Friends,

Already, more than 11,000 Arkansans from 48 of our state's 75 counties work at the Port of Little Rock, a remarkable example of its economic impact well beyond our capital city.

I took a trip out to the Port last Friday to see the exciting growth taking place and discuss plans for its continued development.

My first stop was Welspun, which continues to grow and create jobs right here in central Arkansas. I stopped by the company's Little Rock facility to visit with the team and learn more about their operations before touring the property, seeing construction underway, and hearing more about plans for a new pipe mill and coating facility.

Since establishing operations at the Port in 2007, Welspun has continued to invest in Arkansas, including two recently announced expansions totaling $250 million that are projected to create hundreds of new jobs.

Following my visit to Welspun, I caught up with Port Executive Director Bryan Day to discuss its continued growth and future development plans.

With the old FAA VOR navigation facility now relocated, nearly 900 additional acres are available for future industrial development. This is an important milestone in an effort I have worked on for years with federal and local partners to help the Port attract new businesses, expand its operations, and bring more good-paying jobs to central Arkansas.

With the new megasite opening the door to even more investment and industrial development, the Port's economic impact promises to grow even further in the years ahead.

More Funding for Shorter College

It was great to celebrate the announcement of a new USDA grant for Shorter College in North Little Rock. Supporting Arkansas's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has been a priority of mine since my days as a community banker, when I helped Arkansas Baptist College improve and expand its campus.

This latest grant builds on years of work with my Co-Chair of the HBCU Caucus, Congresswoman Alma Adams, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen our HBCUs through policy, funding, and philanthropy. Together, we have helped secure $100 million in debt relief for central Arkansas's four HBCUs: the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith University, and Shorter College.

Songs, Civics, and a New Gym at Calvary Academy

My team and I had a wonderful visit to Calvary Academy in North Little Rock, starting with a tour of their beautiful new gym. From there, we joined the entire school for a morning assembly and heard a magnificent performance by the student choir.

I also appreciated the opportunity to speak with the students, quiz them on their favorite Founding Fathers, and discuss the importance of civic engagement and understanding our nation's history as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

Talking Business at Central Baptist College

I also enjoyed visiting with students at Central Baptist College in Conway. We had a lively discussion about AI, financial innovation, digital assets, and the challenges facing our country. I especially appreciated their thoughtful questions about entrepreneurship and starting a business.

In addition to my ongoing work to advance the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act and the Major Richard Star Act, I have supported a number of important measures that have become law to support our veterans:

Arkansas's First Fisher House: The state's first Fisher House opened its doors last year at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock, providing free lodging for veterans and military families while their loved ones receive medical care.

Expanding Access to VA Healthcare: Eliminated a secondary approval requirement for eligible veterans seeking treatment from community healthcare providers, helping reduce delays in receiving care.

Improving Veterans' Employment Opportunities: Enacted the FAST VETS Act, allowing eligible veterans to revise vocational rehabilitation plans when changed circumstances make their original employment goals infeasible.

Protecting Veterans from Financial Fraud: Enacted legislation strengthening the process for reimbursing veterans whose VA benefits were misused by a fiduciary, including protections against delaying repayment.

More than 700 House-passed bills are still awaiting Senate action, many of which would directly benefit Arkansas families, small businesses, and communities. Here are three more bills the Senate needs to take up to help Arkansans.

H.R. 2316 – Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025

Extends the use of interest earned on federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment to support wetlands protection, wildlife habitat restoration, and waterfowl conservation.

H.R. 4549 – Office of Rural Affairs Enhancement Act

Strengthens the SBA's Office of Rural Affairs to better serve small businesses in rural communities, including those across Arkansas.

H.R. 915 – Small Business Technological Advancement Act

Allows small businesses to use Small Business Administration loans to purchase modern business software and technology. 

On October 20, 1803, the U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase treaty, paving the way for one of the largest land acquisitions in American history. The purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, adding approximately 828,000 square miles of territory that would eventually become all or part of 15 states. The price? Just $15 million, or roughly four cents per acre. It was one of the greatest land bargains in American history and helped pave the way for America's westward expansion.

Last week’s trivia: Known as the "Home of Combat Airlift," which of the following aircraft is currently stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base? B. The C-130 Hercules

81.5% of respondents answered correctly.

Treasury has finalized the investment lineup for Trump Accounts.

Initial contributions go into a default, low-cost fund tracking the broader U.S. stock market, chosen specifically to keep fees well below the legal cap.

Families can also choose from four additional low-cost index funds:

• iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
• Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)
• State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (SPTM)
• iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT)

These funds have been selected to provide diversified exposure across major segments of the financial markets while keeping investment costs low.

These accounts can be managed through the Trump Accounts app, available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play. If you haven't downloaded it yet, do so today.

All kids born between January 2025 and December 2028 are eligible for a $1,000 federal contribution into a Trump Account. Millions of families have already signed up.

You can open an account by filing IRS Form 4547 through TrumpAccounts.gov, or when filing your 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.