Friends,
This week is National Police Week, a wonderful opportunity to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty and to celebrate those who keep our streets and communities safe.
The good news is that the push to restore law and order is working. Communities across the country are seeing real progress, with crime rates declining. But as our neighborhoods get safer, a troubling trend is moving in the opposite direction: assaults on law enforcement officers climbed to a 10-year high last year. The people keeping our communities safe are increasingly being targeted for it.
House Republicans acted this week by passing several pro-law enforcement bills: - The Cashless Bail Reporting Act forces the Justice Department to publicly name jurisdictions that let violent offenders walk free before trial without cash bail.
- The Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act cracks down on "charitable bail funds" that bankroll the release of dangerous criminals, holding them to anti-fraud standards and giving states better tools to regulate who posts bail.
- The Monitor Accountability Act sets defined terms for federal court monitors.
- The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act gives law enforcement new federal tools and a dedicated DHS coordination center to investigate and dismantle the organized theft rings hitting retailers and supply chains across the country.
- H. Con. Res. 96 expresses the House's formal support for law enforcement officers.
- H. Res. 1252, which I was proud to co-sponsor, honors our law enforcement officers who fell in the line of duty this past year.
I also introduced the PROTECT Act a few weeks ago. With attacks on law enforcement on the rise, bad actors are increasingly using publicly available information to target officers at home. The PROTECT Act directs DHS to give law enforcement agencies the guidance they need to better protect our officers and their families.
The courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our police officers are critical to our way of life here in Arkansas and across our nation. It may be National Police Week. But that's not where backing the blue ends. |
Central Arkansas is home to four outstanding HBCUs, and I have seen firsthand the difference these institutions make for their students and communities. I have also seen how the lack of long-term investment and aging infrastructure limits what these institutions are able to offer.
That is why this week I hosted a press conference on Capitol Hill alongside my HBCU Caucus co-chair, Congresswoman Alma Adams, HBCU presidents from across the country, including from our fine institutions here in Arkansas, to introduce the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act.
The IGNITE Act would direct the Department of Education to award competitive grants to HBCUs for the renovation, repair, and construction of campus facilities, including classrooms, research labs, student housing, and broadband infrastructure.
This is the kind of investment that will pay dividends for generations, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Adams, members of the HBCU Caucus, and our Senate colleagues to get it done. You can watch the full press conference HERE. |
In addition to introducing the IGNITE Act and voting for several pro-law enforcement measures, my committee passed several bills through the House. Here are two that will help you and your families by helping our community banks. The SMART Act streamlines examination requirements for well-managed community banks and credit unions. Less time on compliance means more resources going toward serving customers and local economies.
The TRUST Act allows well-managed community banks to be examined less frequently, reducing unnecessary compliance costs. That means community banks can better serve families, farmers, and small businesses that depend on them.
These two bipartisan bills both directly assist our well-managed community banks and credit unions under $6 billion in assets, freeing up more resources for customer service. |
Last Friday, I visited one of the nation’s leading low-cost, sustainable lithium producers: Arkansas’s Standard Lithium LANXESS South Plant Site.
Lithium plays an important role in many everyday products and in Arkansas’s growing economy, so it was inspiring to see the high-grade lithium-brine operation up close and learn more about the company’s large-scale sustainable development efforts.
A huge thank you to SLI Demo Plant Administrator Magan Sweeney for taking the time to tour the facility with us and share more about the project. |
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Rep. Hill attended the Rotary International reception honoring lawmakers for their role in the global effort to eradicate polio. A third-generation Rotarian and past president of the Rotary Club of Little Rock, Rep. Hill was recognized as a Polio Eradication Champion at the event for his continued support and advocacy in advancing efforts to end polio once and for all. |
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Team Hill attended the congressional reception honoring the Artemis II crew, hosted by the Senate Commerce Committee. Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen walked out to Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon" and delivered inspiring remarks to the crowd. |
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Team Hill attended last Saturday's Liberty Tree dedication by the Cadron Post chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Matthews Park in Greenbrier, celebrating America's 250th birthday. The tree honors the sacrifices of those who came before us, with remarks from Faulkner County Judge Alan Dodson and a proclamation read by Hunter Thrasher. |
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Rep. Hill joined colleagues Thursday night at a celebration hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society honoring the North American Bison on the 10th anniversary of its designation as the official U.S. National Mammal. Also in attendance was Congressman Hill's good friend Simon Roosevelt, whose great-great-grandfather, President Theodore Roosevelt, was instrumental in saving the American Bison from extinction, co-founding the American Bison Society, and working throughout his presidency to protect the species. |
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This spring, I am proud to recognize 37 outstanding high school students from across Arkansas's Second Congressional District as recipients of my Educational Award Program.
Nominated by their principals or counselors, these students earned this recognition through demonstrated academic excellence, meaningful community service, and proven leadership in their schools and communities.
To each honoree: your hard work and character reflect the very best of our district and our state. I look forward to watching everything you accomplish ahead. |
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What is the nickname for baby bison, named for their distinctive orange-red coat at birth?
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Last week’s Trivia: What conflict originally inspired Benjamin Franklin to publish "Join, or Die"? C) The French and Indian War
45.5% of respondents answered correctly. (25.3% answered "King George's War") |
As many of you may have noticed, I am really enjoying celebrating America's 250th birthday. From the inspiring stories from our founding era and American history trivia that we include in the weekly newsletter to the posts across my social media channels and A250 events in Arkansas and our Nation’s Capital, America's semiquicentennial gives me the chance to share my love of our history and our nation. It is also an opportunity for me to hear from the next generation about what America means to them.
That is why I am excited to announce the America250 Essay Contest, open to students in grades 6 through 12 across central Arkansas.
There are three divisions: - 6th and 7th grade: Up to 500 words
- 8th and 9th grade: Up to 750 words
- 10th through 12th grade: Up to 1,000 words
Here are the essay prompts:
6th and 7th grade: Who is your favorite Founder (man or woman) and why do you admire them?
8th through 12th grade:
After traveling throughout America in 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville observed that America was exceptional and unique in history: a nation founded not on ethnicity or a shared ancestry, but on the ideals of liberty, self-governance, and equality under God. How have these ideals contributed to America's greatness?
The deadline to submit is May 24, 2026 at 5 PM CT.
All submissions must be made through the submission forms below: 6th-7th grade 8th-9th grade 10th-12th grade
For additional information, including prize information, click HERE.
Spread the word to a student, teacher, or parent you know. The next great American voice might be right here in Arkansas. |
Kids born between January 2025 and December 2028 are eligible for a federal contribution into a “Trump Account.” More than 4 million Americans have already opened accounts, which will begin receiving funding starting the Fourth of July this year, so don’t delay.
This is also an opportunity for philanthropists to invest directly in the next generation, with leaders like Michael and Susan Dell and Ray and Barbara Dalio already stepping up to help fund these accounts. Through Treasury’s “50 State Challenge,” more private-sector leaders are being encouraged to get involved and support children and families across the country.
Families can sign their kids up for a Trump Account using the IRS Form 4547 as they file their 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. |
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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