This is "Arkies in the Beltway," the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's podcast looking at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions. I'm Washington Correspondent Alex Thomas with your episode for the week of May 12, 2024

There was no bigger story on Capitol Hill last week for Arkansans than the unveiling of the new Daisy Bates statue at the U.S. Capitol.

Bates — the civil rights advocate best known for mentoring the Little Rock Nine students amid efforts to desegregate Central High School — became the first Arkansan in more than a century to be honored with a statue unveiling in the National Statuary Hall Collection.

She is the second Black individual to have a state-authorized statue on Capitol Hill; Florida gifted a sculpture of educator Mary McLeod Bethune to the collection in July 2022.

The move was one of two final steps in replacing Arkansas' previous statues recognizing Uriah Rose and James Paul Clarke. Officials hope to install a statue of musician Johnny Cash at the U.S. Capitol in the fall.

STORY: Arkansas, national leaders unveil Daisy Bates statue at U.S. Capitol

Thanks for listening to this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to keep up with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also stay up to date with what's happening in the nation's capital by following me online; my handle across all social media platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

Welcome to "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of May 5, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas — Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

The U.S. Capitol will be buzzing with excitement on Wednesday as lawmakers and Arkansans celebrate the unveiling of a new statue honoring civil rights activist Daisy Bates.

The Bates statue, to be located in National Statuary Hall, replaces one of Arkansas' former statues recognizing Uriah Rose.

Every state can contribute two statues to the U.S. Capitol's collection; a second statue of country music legend Johnny Cash will be installed later this year.

Check the Sunday edition of the Democrat-Gazette for the full story.

Months after Congress missed its original deadline for passing a new farm bill, federal lawmakers have released two outlines of proposed legislative packages.

Congress typically passes farm bills on a five-year cycle to address nutrition, rural development and agriculture programs, but lawmakers missed its deadline last September despite talks about the next measure's titles.

Republicans on the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee and Democrats on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee put forward their respective plans, with House Republicans looking to mark its version up later this month.

STORY: Congressional committees release farm bill overviews with September deadline for action

Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., traveled to Baltimore last Thursday to examine the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and the related response efforts.

The trip was related to Womack's involvement on the House Appropriations Committee. The congressman from Rogers leads the subcommittee handling matters on transportation, housing and urban development.

Finally, the Senate confirmed the nomination of a former Sebastian County sheriff as the next U.S. marshal for the agency's Western District of Arkansas.

President Joe Biden nominated Gary Grimes in December for a four-year term. The Senate approved the nomination with a voice vote.

STORY: U.S. Senate confirms former Sebastian County sheriff for U.S. Marshal position

Thanks for supporting "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to keep up with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also stay up to date with what's happening in the nation's capital by following me online; my handle across all social media platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of April 28, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas — Washington Correspondent at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

After months of inaction and much talk on Capitol Hill, Congress finally passed an international aid package to assist Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the funding first, followed by the Senate three days later.

The package received strong bipartisan support in both chambers, including from members of Arkansas' congressional delegation.

STORY: Arkansas lawmakers highlight international aid importance in $95.3 billion package signed by Biden

One House committee chairman is seeking answers regarding the March 19 raid at Bryan Malinowski's home that led to the Little Rock airport executive director's death.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, sent a letter to Steven Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, regarding the operation at Malinowski's west Little Rock residence and ATF procedures for executing search warrants.

A federal affidavit related to the search warrant of Malinowski's home states he had purchased more than 150 firearms and resold guns without a firearm dealer's license.

Malinowski, the executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, was shot in the head at least once during the raid. He died two days after the incident.

Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, requested the information after Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., asked the Ohioan to look into the case.

STORY: U.S. House Judiciary Committee chairman pushes for information surrounding fatal raid on Bryan Malinowski’s residence

Two Arkansas lawmakers in the House of Representatives are anticipating months and years of discussions surrounding the future rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge near Baltimore.

Reps. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., and Steve Womack, R-Ark., are among the federal lawmakers whose committee work intersects with the response to the bridge collapse.

Crawford serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Womack leads the House Appropriations Committee's subcommittee handling issues involving transportation, housing and urban development.

STORY: Crawford, Womack prepare for committee work on Baltimore bridge collapse

An Arkansan has joined President Joe Biden's reelection campaign as part of its communications team.

Adrienne Elrod, a Siloam Springs native, will work on the campaign as a senior adviser and spokesperson.

Elrod has built a resume with political experiences in Arkansas and Washington, D.C., including time with Hillary Clinton's two presidential campaigns.

STORY:

Welcome to "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of April 21, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas — Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

The U.S. Senate opted to drop impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Senators dismissed the two charges along party lines; Arkansas' senators — John Boozman of Rogers and Tom Cotton of Little Rock — joined fellow Republicans in opposing this move.

The House of Representatives impeached Mayorkas in February, alleging the secretary willfully refused to enforce immigration laws and committed a breach of trust.

Speaking of Cotton, the senator spent part of last week defending comments he made concerning Pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Cotton called on private citizens to "take matters into their own hands" in situations involving protests blocking roadways.

The comments stem from demonstrators shutting down traffic in multiple major American cities in hopes of bringing attention to Palestine amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

STORY: Tom Cotton defends protest remarks calling on private citizens to ‘take matters into their own hands’

The House Natural Resources Committee has advanced legislation supporting state-led conservation work.

The America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act would provide grants for supporting state wildlife habitat and conservation efforts.

Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., is the bill's lead sponsor. The Hot Springs congressman additionally serves as the committee's chairman.

Read the full story at arkansasonline.com.

Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., has a new role on the House Appropriations Committee.

Womack of Rogers has accepted the title of chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee. The move was part of a series of internal leadership changes.

STORY: Womack embraces new appropriations role overseeing transportation, housing funds

Thank you for checking out this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to keep up with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also stay up to date with what's happening in the nation's capital by following me online; my handle across all social media platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of April 14, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas — Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Plans are in motion to place two new statues of Arkansas icons at the U.S. Capitol.

Crews removed statues of Uriah Rose and James Paul Clarke on April 5 in anticipation of installing statues recognizing civil rights advocate Daisy Bates and musician Johnny Cash.

The Bates statue will arrive at the U.S. Capitol next month with plans for an official unveiling on May 8. Officials are considering dates in September for a ceremony concerning the Cash statue.

STORY: Arkansas statues removed from U.S. Capitol in anticipation of Bates, Cash statues

Members of Congress returned to Capitol Hill last week after a two-week recess, and they did not waste much time in addressing some of their legislative priorities.

In the House of Representatives, lawmakers backed a bipartisan outdoor recreation package addressing recreational opportunities and related infrastructure. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., and colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee have championed the EXPLORE Act since its introduction last November.

STORY: U.S. House passes Westerman-led recreation bill, needs Senate approval

And from Congress' upper chamber, Republicans on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee have a new bill addressing federal crop insurance coverage. The announcement of the FARMER Act comes amid ongoing talks about the next farm bill, a legislative package addressing nutrition, rural development and agriculture programs.

STORY: Boozman joins U.S. Senate Republicans on crop insurance proposal

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., lauded Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida after the leader addressed Congress during his recent visit to the United States.

Hill, of Little Rock, was part of the congressional Escort Committee ushering Kishida into the House chamber. The congressman has additionally prioritized the United States' relationships with its Asia-Pacific allies through his policy work.

STORY: Hill: Japan prime minister provides “outstanding” address on U.S. relationship

Thank you for supporting "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to keep up with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also stay informed about what's happening in the nation's capital by following me online; my handle across all social media platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of April 7, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas — Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Members of Congress have spent the last two weeks away from Capitol Hill conducting work in their states and districts. For this week's episode, we take a look back at some of the biggest political stories of the year so far pertaining to Arkansas, including:

— Congress finally completing its appropriations work six months after the fiscal year's start.

— Federal lawmakers approving new compacts with three Pacific Island nations, including the Marshall Islands.

— Ongoing work to pass a new farm bill.

— Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson's decision to suspend his presidential campaign.

Thanks for checking out this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to keep up with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also stay informed about what's happening in the nation's capital by following me online; my handle across all social media platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

Thank you for checking out this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" I'm Alex Thomas — Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

As discussed during our March 24 episode, Congress approved the second spending package necessary for funding the rest of the federal government and avoiding a government shutdown through September.

The recent $1.2 trillion measure included funding for multiple projects in Arkansas, including steps to modernize Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith for its foreign military sales mission.

STORY: Latest budget approved by Congress last week contains millions of dollars for projects in Arkansas

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., recently traveled to El Salvador to get a glimpse of President Nayib Bukele's efforts addressing gang violence in the Central American nation.

Bukele and the Salvadoran government have enforced policies to curtail gangs, but this campaign has raised international concerns surrounding human rights violations.

Cotton, of Little Rock, has dismissed these criticisms, arguing that Bukele's approach has been an effective strategy in making El Salvador a safer country.

Check in at arkansasonline.com this weeked for the full story.

Thanks again for supporting "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to keep up with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also stay informed about what's happening in the nation's capital by following me online; my social media handle across all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of March 24, 2024! I'm Alex Thomas — Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Congress has finally approved all 12 spending bills for the current fiscal year.

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed a $1.2 trillion package to end last week. The legislation funds the Department of Defense as well as agencies related to homeland security, labor, education and health care.

Lawmakers approved a smaller $460 billion package earlier this month covering other matters.

With these two measures, Congress has completed its appropriations work for the current fiscal year, which began last October.

Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., noted the timing of these votes last week during a House subcommittee hearing on President Joe Biden's budget proposal for fiscal year 2025.

STORY: Womack laments Congress’ budgeting delays as deadline nears for $1.2 trillion package

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., has formally announced his intention to seek the top spot on the House Financial Services Committee.

The body oversees policies involving the U.S. banking system, the Federal Reserve, securities and exchanges, and housing-related issues.

Hill currently serves as the committee's vice chairman under Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who is retiring from the House at the conclusion of the current Congress.

STORY: Hill notes experience as attribute in pursuit of Financial Services Committee chairman bid

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin wants Congress to address hemp in the next farm bill, specifically language in the 2018 law.

Griffin and 20 other state attorneys general sent a letter to leaders of the Senate and House agriculture committees, in which the officials contend the most recent farm bill encouraged a nationwide proliferation of hemp products.

STORY: Arkansas’ Griffin, Indiana’s attorney general lead officials in calling for federal hemp changes

A record number of Arkansans have enrolled in the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace.

According to recent federal data, more than 156,000 Arkansas residents purchased health insurance through marketplace plans during the most recent enrollment period, topping a record set during the prior term.

Health officials made the announcement in part to celebrate the 14th anniversary of then-President Barack Obama signing the Affordable Care Act into law.

STORY: 396,000 Arkansans enroll in health insurance marketplace, Medicaid expansion coverage

Thanks for supporting "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to keep up with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also stay informed about what's happening in the nation's capital by f