Crawford, Cohen, Boozman, Cotton, introduce bill to mint coin memorializing Sultana disaster

Washington — Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Steve Cohen (TN-09), along with U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), introduced legislation to create a commemorative coin in remembrance of the greatest maritime disaster in U.S. history – the sinking of the Sultana Steamboat. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the coin  will help fund the preservation, maintenance, and display of artifacts at the Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion, Arkansas, as well as assist in the construction of a new and larger facility.

“The tragedy of the Sultana is one that is often forgotten about, but it serves as an important reminder of our past and the lives that were lost. This bill helps fund the efforts of those at the Sultana Disaster Museum who have dedicated their time to telling this story and keeping the memory of the victims alive. I’m proud to work with my friend Steve Cohen to bring awareness about what happened so long ago, during that horrible time of extreme fracture and violence, where brother fought against brother. I hope that Steve and my working together, across the aisle, for this shared purpose can show Americans that brighter days are always in front of us,” said Crawford.

“The Sultana disaster and loss of life in the Mississippi River within sight of Memphis in 1865 deserves the commemoration this coin represents. Americans should know of the sacrifice made by so many in the tragic days as the Civil War finally drew to an end, as well as the senseless negligence that caused it. I’m pleased to work with my friend Rick Crawford, who represents the Crittenden County graveyard of the historic steamship northwest of Memphis, and hope our efforts bring further attention to this tragic footnote in American history,” said Cohen.

“As community support for the Sultana Disaster Museum continues to grow, we’re carrying the momentum in Congress by introducing this legislation to preserve the history of this tragedy and honor the victims and survivors with a commemorative coin. I’m proud to join this initiative to ensure both are forever remembered,” said Boozman.

“This coin will continue to honor the victims, and raise awareness about one of the worst tragedies in our military’s history. It is an important piece of history that I’m proud to join the Arkansas delegation in remembering,” said Cotton.

Sultana Disaster Museum Picture

The Sultana was a 260-foot-long wooden steamboat that exploded, burned, and sank into the Mississippi River on April 27, 1865. This tragedy claimed the lives of more than 1,000 passengers. Most of the victims were released Union prisoners of war who were returning to the north after the end of the Civil War.

Efforts to preserve artifacts from the Sultana began in 1982 when the remains of the Sultana were rediscovered. In 2011, Arkansas State University hosted the first public exhibit of relics from the disaster. A small museum opened in Marion to house these pieces of history and, after persistent efforts from the community and the Sultana Historical Preservation Society, ground was broken in November 2022 on a new multi-million dollar facility to host this educational and economic resource. 

This legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Treasury to mint in 2027 $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins and half-dollar coins.

Rep. Crawford votes to fund government for FY 2024

Washington — Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement after voting in favor of The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.

“While much more is needed to achieve operational control of the border, this bill includes key border-security policy changes that I feel are critical and time sensitive. President Biden’s progressive wave of liberal policies have been a disaster at the border and for our economy, all while more unvetted criminals pour into our communities. We must focus our undivided attention on the additional changes required to secure the border,” said Rep. Crawford.

The legislation fulfills the House Republican majority’s commitments under the Fiscal Responsibility Act and achieves additional, conservative policy victories. A few of those victories are detailed below:

• Funds 22,000 border agents, which was a key demand included in the Republican-led border security bill, The Secure the Border Act.

• Robustly funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to increase migrant detention beds from 34,000 to nearly 42,000. That will help ensure that more illegal migrants are processed appropriately and not immediately paroled into the U.S.

• Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from preventing a member of Congress from entering any detention or housing facility administered by DHS. This allows Congress to oversee what DHS is doing with illegal migrants at any time and ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used wisely.

• Provides necessary funding for our nation’s brave men and women in the military and gives our troops a 5.2% pay increase.

• Prohibits funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Israel has provided evidence that UNRWA employees participated in the heinous October 7th attack on innocent Israeli civilians, and there are allegations that current UNRWA employees have ties to Hamas.

• Prohibits the State Department from flying flags other than the U.S. flag over diplomatic facilities.

• Maintains all current, pro-life riders.

• Rescinds billions of dollars in unnecessary, left-over COVID-19 funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and other Biden Administration-supported legislation.

• Funds our nation’s critically important rural health programs, which directly benefit the residents of the 1st Congressional District, including those who use our rural hospitals and community health centers.

• Prohibits the Biden Administration from using any Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funds to advocate for gun control, which would be in direct violation of our 2nd Amendment rights.

• Prohibits the Biden Administration’s over-reaching and foolish plan to ban gas stoves in Americans’ homes.

Chairman of CIA Subcommittee, Rep. Crawford, comments on passage of TikTok Bill

Washington — Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

“The extent to which the Chinese government and the Chinese Community Party (CCP) will go to expand its malign influence within the United States is a grave threat that I’m tracking closely as chairman of the Intel Committee’s CIA Subcommittee.

“From storing Americans’ biometrics when they use TikTok filters, to accessing financial data and location information, and more, the amount of personal data the CCP has on Americans is alarming, and it is a national security threat. What’s more, allowing a Chinese owned app to maliciously operate within our borders is a gateway for foreign espionage and malicious impacts that can be weaponized at a moment’s notice.

“It is the duty of Congress to ensure that Americans are protected by the appropriate regulatory laws against foreign adversaries, like the CCP. Americans go to great lengths to protect themselves from identity theft and to protect their personal information. By ensuring that TikTok cannot be owned by any company affiliated with the CCP, H.R. 7521 will protect the sensitive data and facial biometrics that the CCP is currently collecting.” 

Rep. Crawford Announces Run for Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman

On Wednesday morning, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) announced his candidacy for chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee next Congress.

Congressman Rick Crawford

“Over my 13 years serving on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have developed a close working relationship with stakeholders in the industry and my colleagues on the committee. Through collaborative effort between the two, we’ve developed one of the most efficient and respected committees in Congress, and I hope to build upon this success as chairman,” said Rep. Crawford.

America MOVES, the blueprint which Crawford hopes to enact as chairman, focuses on Mobility, Opportunity, Vision, Efficacy, and Security. The five-prong strategy tackles a variety of matters from ensuring our transportation is moving efficiently to protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

“America MOVES is my plan to address the key issues I see in our infrastructure and transportation systems,” said Rep. Crawford. “It means fixing the areas where we have fallen short, working to address the needs of a modern economy, and protecting this improved system from foreign threats.”

Crawford is the second most senior Republican on the committee and currently serves as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. In his role as subcommittee chairman, he has led hearings and worked on legislation to address supply chain deficiencies and trucking policy.

Prior to becoming chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Crawford was the lead Republican for the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. During that time, he oversaw the government’s response to the Colonial Pipeline hack and fought for strong Buy America provisions in the rail industry.

“Our transportation and infrastructure system impacts every facet of our economy and daily life, from the food you buy at the grocery store, to the clothes on your back, to the airplane flight to grandma’s house for the holidays, to the safe and reliable energy you use to heat your home, and so much more. The work we do on this committee is serious, and it requires a balanced approach from someone willing to work with the other side of the aisle and with hundreds of stakeholder organizations. I plan to lead the committee with strong and effective leadership,” Rep. Crawford concluded.