Dear Friends,
Another productive week in central Arkansas and Washington. Your thoughts, input, and ideas matter, and they are especially helpful to me as I represent you in Congress. I appreciate the opportunities that I have every week to listen to you about issues important to you and your family. Here's my weekly wrap-up.
Leaders in Our Arkansas Communities
I met with central Arkansans participating in LeadAR, a two-year professional development program sponsored by the University of Arkansas. These leaders were in D.C. to meet with Arkansas lawmakers, and I enjoyed our discussion about how community leaders can engage with Members of Congress and their staff to solve important issues we face in the Natural State.
Supporting Our Historically Black Colleges and Universities
All students should all have the opportunities they need to succeed! As the Vice Co-Chair of the Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) Caucus, I had the privilege of addressing the second annual National HBCU Braintrust Luncheon to discuss the important role private sector partnerships play in ensuring our students are well-prepared for career success.
We Will Never Forget
On September 11, 2001 at 7:46 AM CT, our nation was attacked, forever changing the landscape of New York City and the hearts of all Americans. On Tuesday, I had the honor of going to the 9/11 Memorial Tribute at the Little Rock Air Force Base, through which all deploying soldiers pass as they head out to the flight deck. I took a moment of silence in tribute to the 3,000 innocent lives lost that day, including my good friend, Neil David Levin, and read the names of the Arkansans no longer with us. Watch my tribute here.
Congress is Doing its Job
I have repeatedly said since coming to Congress that the only way to get control of federal spending is to take charge of it and stop funding the government through short-term spending packages that are not faithful to the priorities of Arkansans.
This week, we did just that.
Every year, Congress is responsible for passing 12 government funding bills before the new fiscal year on September 30th. The House has passed nearly half of those bills, and by doing so, we prevented a government shutdown.
The House and Senate worked together in a bipartisan fashion to send a government funding bill for Energy and Water and Military Construction and Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's desk this week, This marks the start of a new era - getting spending bills done on time with the proper input of Congress and the American people. This bill notably contained $14 million for improvements to the hydrant fuel system at Little Rock Air Force Base in addition to a measure to move forward with improvements to the base’s runway. This is good news for Arkansas and you can read more about this legislation here.
Congratulations, Tamika Edwards!
On the U.S. House floor, I congratulated Little Rock native, Tamika Edwards, for being named the executive director of the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College. Tamika’s passion for ensuring all voices are heard will serve her well as she oversees the Social Justice Institute’s crucial work of educating students and the community to advocate. Watch here.
Honored with Visit by Arkansas VFW
We fight for those who have fought for us, and we put our veterans first. Patrick Flenniken and his lovely wife, Song, with the Arkansas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), visited with me this week about our shared support on issues that include better health care for our veterans and the importance of a smooth transition from military life to civilian life.
I am blessed to have on my team three dedicated veterans helping our heroes get the care and benefits they deserve. If you, or someone you know, need assistance with casework of any kind or help working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, please contact my team at (501) 324-5941 or at hill.house.gov.
Thank you for taking time to keep up with the work I'm doing on your behalf. Have a blessed week!
Representative French Hill |
