Armed Forces

Boozman honored for support of American manufacturers equipping armed forces

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is a 2024 recipient of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition’s Sentinel Award for his advocacy of American manufacturers that produce equipment to protect our troops and homeland security personnel.

“Senator Boozman has been a steadfast supporter of the American companies that build the uniforms, combat footwear and body armor for the warfighter” said David Costello, Executive Director of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition. “His leadership continues to ensure that our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines train and deploy in the best possible uniforms and equipment, providing them with a significant combat advantage. His work on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee supports the development and procurement of life-saving products worn by our servicemembers. The WPRC is honored to recognize his constant effort with the 2024 Sentinel Award.” 

“Protecting the men and women who defend our country with American-made gear is a win-win. I’m proud to advocate for the domestic production of essential tactical equipment and clothing by manufacturers that also create jobs in communities around the country. I look forward to continued collaboration with the industry to respond to the evolving needs of personnel who support our national security,” Boozman said.

Arkansas members of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition include Fort Smith’s National Safety Apparel and Belleville Boot, a manufacturer with operations in DeWitt and Forrest City. 

The association annually presents its Sentinel Award in support of lawmakers who have demonstrated extraordinary support for American manufacturers that produce combat clothing and equipment for members of the Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition leaders present Boozman with the Sentinel Award.

State Representative DeAnn Vaught Update

On Tuesday, The House Education Committee advanced HB1185. This bill states that a student who attended preschool in a non-resident school district for at least one year before kindergarten will not count against that school’s 3% cap of non-residents under the School Choice Act of 2015.

The House Education Committee also advanced HB1161. This bill creates the Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act. It allows pregnant and parenting students to have an additional 10 days of excused absence for a parenting mother and father after the birth of their child.

The House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee advanced HB1197. This bill would disqualify a claimant from collecting unemployment compensation benefits for any week that the claimant fails to respond to an offer of employment or fails to appear for a previously scheduled job interview.

The full House passed several bills addressing teacher retirement including HB1200. HB1200 provides for members who served in the armed forces for a period in which a military draft was in effect to receive up to 5 years of free service credit before retirement regardless of their current status.

The last day to file proposed constitutional amendments is Wednesday, February 8. Constitutional amendments are filed at House Joint Resolutions or Senate Joint Resolutions. You can review the proposals filed at arkansashouse.org.

The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.