Congressman Bruce Westerman WRDA priorities advance to House floor

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a markup to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024.

Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement: 

“The 2024 Water Resources Development Act is bipartisan, comprehensive policy compiled of locally driven initiatives to address the unique water infrastructure needs of communities nationwide. I was proud to secure key maintenance and development provisions to strengthen our supply chain, increase emergency readiness, and support outdoor water recreation in Arkansas. I commend Chairmen Graves and Rouzer and Ranking Members Larsen and Napolitano for their collaborative approach to this year’s WRDA, and I look forward to advancing this critical bill through the House Floor.”

BACKGROUND:

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 is biennial, bipartisan legislation that supports the viability, effectiveness, and conservation of waterways for commercial and recreational use.

Westerman secured the following policy priorities in the 2024 WRDA:

• Phase in a new retention structure at outdoor recreation sites managed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers to ensure fees remain at local sites rather than held up by federal bureaucratic red tape.

• Encourage restored access to recreational access at Lake Dardanelle for snag fishing.

• Guarantee Arkansas has dredge access when needed most by ensuring the Dredge McFarland and its subsequent replacement stay in “ready reserve” status to assist in emergency events.

• Extend the Independent External Peer Review Program to continue improving the quality and efficiency of project planning at the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

Click here for a summary of the bill.
Click here for the full bill text.

Arkansas House Delegation to McDonough: The politicization of the VA is inappropriate

Washington, D.C. — Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-01), French Hill (AR-02), Steve Womack (AR-03), and Bruce Westerman (AR-04) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough voicing concern for the encouragement of VA facilities to display Pride flags at the taxpayers’ expense. The letter calls on McDonough to immediately remove any flag other than the American flag, flag of the VA, state flags, and the POW-MIA recognition flag from VA facilities.

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In part, the lawmakers wrote:

“The Pride flag is once again flying over the VA facility in Little Rock, and our constituents and veterans across Arkansas have called on us to inquire about why the VA is expressing a clear political leaning. Your continuation of this policy demonstrates the continued disregard for the opinions of veterans you showed last year. The men and women who have served our country deserve to enter a facility that is free from discrimination and political posturing, and we should strive to provide them with an apolitical VA when they seek the care, benefits, and services they have earned.”

Click here for the full letter.

Fourth district students appointed to U.S. service academies

HOT SPRINGS – Three students from Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District have accepted U.S. Service Academy appointments. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) hosted a send-off for the students and their families at his Hot Springs office. Westerman released the following statement:

“One of the greatest parts of my job is meeting and nominating bright young Arkansans who want to serve our country. It’s an honor to play a role in this process, and I look forward to seeing how they excel in their respective careers. I am confident these young men and women will represent Arkansas well.”

Darian Presley from Lake Hamilton High School will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Ajaiah Harris from White Hall High School will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

Rhett Fultz from Clarksville High School will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy

Click here to learn more about the U.S. Service Academy nomination process.

Arkansas delegation supports governor’s request for major disaster declaration

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Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Steve Womack, Rick Crawford, French Hill and Bruce Westerman—wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to support Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request for a major disaster declaration as a result of severe storms in Benton, Boone and Marion Counties on May 26.

“We encourage the president to quickly approve federal aid to help speed up recovery efforts in Arkansas,” members said. 

The letter can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request to declare a major disaster, pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act, as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on May 24, 2024, and are continuing.

As Governor Sanders noted in her request, the severity of this event created disastrous amounts of debris, severe infrastructure damage, and resulted in the deaths of at least nine citizens and injured countless others. Arkansans will continue to feel the destructive impact of this storm as we work to rebuild.  

Preliminary damage estimates conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency show major impacts to local jurisdictions in Benton, Boone, and Marion Counties exceeding an estimated $6.4 million in damages. At least 217 homes were destroyed with an additional 94 sustaining major damage. In total, over 478 homes were affected by the storms, leaving a large number of Arkansans displaced and many counties left without power for days. 

Despite facing significant hardships from the severe storm, Arkansans have demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness and resilience. Communities from across the state have come together to support one another during this challenging time. But as it stands, we believe the magnitude of this weather event warrants supplemental federal assistance. The above-mentioned counties have seen homes, businesses, and important infrastructure severely damaged, and federal government resources will be critical in restoration efforts.

The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure expedited evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions. We thank you for your support, and respectfully ask for your attention and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety and full recovery of Arkansans.

House unanimously passes Westerman bill to honor music legend Johnny Cash

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WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 7180, legislation sponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) to designate the post office in Kingsland, Arkansas, as the “Kingsland ‘Johnny Cash’ Post Office.” Westerman released the following statement:

“The unanimous passage of this bill is a testament to the legacy Johnny Cash left behind through service to his country, his iconic music, and the deep impact he and his family have had on the Natural State.”

BACKGROUND:

• On February 26, 1932, Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas.

• From humble beginnings, Cash grew up working in cotton fields in Northeast Arkansas with his family.

• His journey with performing started with high school assemblies and on KLCN, a local Arkansas classic radio station. 

• Cash joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served in Germany for four years, where he wrote his hit classics, “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Hey Porter.”

• Following his service, Cash settled in Memphis to pursue his music career but never forgot his roots in Arkansas.

• Thirty years ago, in 1994, Johnny and his wife June, son John, and all his then-living siblings attended the Kingsland Post Office dedication. With nearly 3,000 people in attendance, they performed the song “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” Cash closed by saying, “This has probably been the best day of my life. I love you, and I love Kingsland.”

• This fall, a statue of Johnny Cash will be unveiled in the U.S. Capitol building. 

Westerman votes to improve aviation safety and infrastructure

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation that will reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years and improve American aviation safety and infrastructure. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:

"The FAA Reauthorization will make timely and strategic investments to bolster aviation safety and infrastructure, support the aviation workforce, and drive economic growth. Arkansas is on track to be a leader in aviation, and this legislation is a significant step in getting us there. As a member of the Aviation subcommittee, I was proud to play a role in passing this historically bipartisan bill, and I look forward to the President signing it into law expeditiously."

BACKGROUND:

Westerman ensured the inclusion of provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that will:

• Grow the state of Arkansas' aviation workforce by reauthorizing funding for the Aviation Workforce Development (AWD) program, which will educate the next generation of aviation professionals.

• Improve radio communications at the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport. 

• Support the Unmanned Aircraft System Collegiate Training Initiative at the University of Arkansas to prepare students for careers in the emerging field of drone aviation.

• Improve Arkansas' airport infrastructure by providing $23 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to the state of Arkansas for airport capital improvement projects. Arkansas has 76 airports that are eligible for AIP funding.

• Ensure data privacy and safety of General Aviation (GA) aircraft, crew, and passengers by allowing GA aircraft to ask the FAA to block the plane's aircraft codes from the public.

• Ensure the safety of manned aircraft is considered when the FAA proposed rules for Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to ensure the safety of pilots and passengers on manned aircraft.

Westerman serves as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Aviation.

Click here for more information on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

Westerman delivers remarks at unveiling of Daisy Bates statue in U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) delivered remarks at the unveiling of a statue of civil rights activist and journalist Daisy Bates in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.

Congressman Westerman's remarks, as delivered:

“Imagine, as an eight-year-old girl, you learn that years before, your mother had been raped, murdered, and dumped in a pond. That was young Daisy Gatson Bates’ story in the small town of Huttig, Arkansas, not far from the Louisiana line.

On top of that, imagine you learn the white men who did this to your black mother were never brought to justice - never held accountable – how would you feel?

Fifty-four years later, in an interview, she said, ‘I was so tight inside, there was so much hate. And I think it started then without me knowing it. It prepared me, it gave me the strength to carry this out.’

Fortunately, Daisy Bates took the advice of her dying adopted father and channeled her anger and hate into a lifelong motivation to make a difference, to seek justice in a world where there was injustice.

Ben Victor, the sculptor of the statue, when asked, ‘what stands out to you most about Daisy Bates?’ He replied, ‘her courage really stands out to me. I’ve depicted her in motion because she was a woman with a cause. She is smiling, showing her optimism in the face of great adversity. And of course, her role as a journalist and publisher are highlighted by the pen and notepad in her right hand and the newspaper in the left.’

Daisy bates was a courageous woman. She often spoke about being afraid. Afraid when rocks were being thrown through her window. Afraid that a bomb or assassination could happen. Afraid when she told the Little Rock Nine, quote ‘one of us might die in this fight. And I said to them, if they kill me, you would have to go on. If I die, don’t you stop.’

We know that courage does not mean an absence of fear. But true courage, the example of courage Daisy Bates gave us all, is to face our fear, to overcome it, and to do the right thing. What a remarkable story the great state of Arkansas has chosen to tell by placing this beautiful statue, the statue of Daisy Bates, here in our nation’s Capitol, in this sacred hall.

Hopefully, as her story is told over, and over again, it will be a small semblance of the justice she so faithfully sought. Not just justice for herself, but justice for all.

It is a day we can be proud to honor one of our own. It is a day to be proud to be an Arkansan. Thank you.”

Westerman statement on emergency supplemental security appropriations

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a series of bills providing supplemental appropriations to address U.S. national security threat and to provide funding for defense assistance to U.S. allies and for costs incurred by the U.S. military for regional support.

• H.R. 8038, the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act, confronts several U.S. national security threats through substantive policy changes, including fentanyl trafficking, TikTok, Iranian-backed aggression, and more.

• H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, supports Taiwan in its efforts to counter communist China and ensure a strong deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

• H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, supports Israel in its effort to defend against Iran and its proxies, and reimburses U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks.

• H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, replenishes U.S. military stockpiles to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:

“From a dismal Afghanistan withdrawal to a nonexistent southern border, the leadership failures of Joe Biden and his Administration are too numerous to list. As a result, the world is in turmoil and is looking to the U.S. for leadership. Today I voted to support our allies and replenish U.S. military stockpiles with weapons made by Arkansans in East Camden, protect Americans online by forcing the sale of TikTok, combat fentanyl trafficking, and stand up against the authoritarian aggression of China, Russia, and Iran.

“As Ronald Reagan said, during his remarks at the 40th anniversary of the D-Day invasion at Point Du Hoc, ‘We in America have learned bitter lessons from two world wars: It is better to be here ready to protect the peace, than to take blind shelter across the sea, rushing to respond only after freedom is lost. We’ve learned that isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent.’

“The Biden Administration has put our national security, and that of our allies, at risk through appeasement. This package is not only about supporting our allies but is also critical to safeguarding our own national security.”

H.R. 8038, the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act:

• Prevents app store availability or web hosting services in the U.S. for ByteDance-controlled applications, like TikTok, unless the application severs ties with entities that are subject to the control of a foreign adversary, like Communist China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.

• Declares international fentanyl trafficking a national emergency and directs the Treasury Department to target, sanction, and block the financial assets of criminal organizations and drug cartels involved in fentanyl trafficking.

• Ensures that Putin pays for his brutal war of aggression.

• Makes it illegal for data brokers to sell personally identifiable data of Americans to North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, or entities controlled by any of these countries.

• Imposes sanctions on ports and refineries that receive and process Iranian oil.

• Fully enforces human rights sanctions on the Iranian regime.

• Disrupts the ability of Hamas to fund terrorism and makes it harder for state sponsors of terrorism to abuse International Monetary Fund resources to finance terrorist organizations.

• Click here for the full bill text of H.R. 8038.

H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

• Provides funding to continue efforts to counter communist China and ensure a strong deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Strengthens U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Enhances the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.

• Replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.

• Click here for the full bill text of H.R. 8036.

H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

• Provides funding to support Israel in its effort to defend itself against Iran and its proxies, and to reimburse U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks.

• Replenishes the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems.

• Prohibits funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

• Supports current U.S. military operations in the region.

• Enhances the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.

• Click here for the full bill text of H.R. 8034.

H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

• Provides funding to address the conflict in Ukraine and assist our regional partners as they counter Russia, much of which will be used for the replenishment of U.S. weapons, stocks, and facilities.

• Increases oversight and accountability of aid and equipment provided to Ukraine.

• Bolsters oversight through in-person monitoring requirements.

• Requires partners and allies to pay their fair share through cost-matching requirements.

• Mandates agreement on repayment for economic support by the government of Ukraine.

• Includes a loan structure, along with requirements for enhanced strategy and accountability, which is necessary to ensure that funding is provided for a clear, achievable purpose and not a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Click here for the full bill text of H.R. 8035.

House passes Westerman cosponsored bills to combat Iranian aggression

U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 6046 and H.R. 5947, legislation cosponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) to comprehensively address the threat posed by Iran. Westerman released the following statement in support of the bills:

“Iran is one of the world’s foremost sponsors of terrorism. The Obama Administration set an unruly precedent of appeasing Iran that the Biden Administration has compounded. This weakness has emboldened Iran to continue launching unjustified attacks against Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, just as we saw this past weekend. House Republicans acted swiftly this week with a slate of bills to stand with Israel and respond to Iran’s unprecedented attacks. I was proud to support these measures to further block Iran’s ability to continue financing these heinous attacks.”

BACKGROUND:
In 2021, the Biden Administration wrongfully removed the Iran-backed Houthis’ designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Since then, the Houthis have increased their terrorist activities, including their ongoing missile and drone attacks against global shipping.

• H.R.  6046 would mandate the reimposition of the FTO and SDGT designations on the Houthis.

Since President Biden took office, the Biden Administration has used certain waivers and licenses related to Iran to transfer $6 billion in Iranian funds to restricted accounts in Qatar and $10 billion in payments from Iraq. The Iranian regime is highly skilled in evasion, cutting corners, and blurring lines to hide the true use of these funds, and the Biden Administration is compliant and complicit in these efforts. Any funding to Iran, even if nominally in a restricted account, frees up more money for Iran to use on malign activities. Iran is too potent a threat to the United States and our partners to allow these waivers to exist any longer.

• H.R. 5947 would eliminate any of these sanction waivers and licenses related to Iran.

Westerman, colleagues introduce Second Chance Reauthorization Act

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Carol Miller (WV-01), Danny Davis (IL-07), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Barry Moore (AL-02), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), and Jerry Nadler (NY-12) introduced the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize Second Chance Act programs for an additional five years and reduce recidivism rates nationwide.

“Promoting second chances is essential to breaking the cycle of crime. When we meet individuals who have paid their debts to society with the support and tools they need to succeed, rather than with burdensome legal and social barriers, they are less likely to re-offend and more likely to be positive members of our communities," said Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). "I'm proud to support the Second Chance Reauthorization Act to promote second chances and foster safer communities. The opportunities and resources provided by this legislation are paramount in breaking the cycle of crime and reducing recidivism rates in Arkansas and nationwide.”

“In West Virginia, we know how important it is to provide everyone with opportunities to succeed. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act is an important component of my efforts to reduce recidivism rates and increase public safety. When we invest in our communities and put in place strong reentry services and supports for people released from prisons and jails, we build stronger and safer communities,” said Congresswoman Miller. “The bill’s strengthened provisions around transitional housing services and substance abuse treatment will be instrumental in helping people in West Virginia and across the nation get back on the right path as they reenter their communities.”
 
“Second Chance reentry programs and services have reached hundreds of thousands of individuals and families across the country, creating healthier families and safer communities,” said Congressman Davis. “Continuing to invest in these evidenced-based interventions is a commonsense approach to strengthen individuals, re-build families, and grow our economy.”

“The Second Chance Act provides an invaluable safety net for those returning to society. Recently incarcerated individuals require a number of stabilizing services and opportunities to get their life back on the right track. We have the evidence and tools at our disposal to reduce recidivism and encourage successful reentry, and we know that the programs funded through the Second Chance Act work. I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan effort with me,” said Congressman Scott.

“For 15 years, the Second Chance Act has supported communities by improving the re-entry process from incarceration back into society,” said Rep. Armstrong. “As a former criminal defense attorney, I saw firsthand how the program reduced recidivism to make these communities safer and lowered costs to taxpayers. It requires constant communication between parole and law enforcement officers, family members, employers, and other entities. I am proud to join this crucial reauthorization so we can continue to build on the successes of the Second Chance Act and work to guarantee a safer system for all,” said Congressman Armstrong.

“The Second Chance Reauthorization Act bolsters support for people reentering society after incarceration, ensuring they have robust reentry services and a chance to lead honest, productive lives,” said Congressman Nadler. “I am honored to join my colleagues in affirming the transformative ability of second chances and empowering formerly incarcerated individuals who are striving to become valued contributors to our communities.”

“For far too long, the American criminal justice system has operated based on a misguided understanding of how to promote and achieve public safety.  As we continue to embrace and uplift the importance of providing critical reentry programming and services to help promote public safety and provide second chances to individuals returning to their homes and communities, I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024. Research has long shown that punitive carceral environments which lack meaningful rehabilitative measures only further foster dangerous and unsafe outcomes for everyone within the walls of American jails and prisons including correctional staff.  Those conditions then contribute to increased rates of recidivism – putting communities outside prison walls at risk of harm.  Meaningful investment in rehabilitative re-entry services, the kinds of partnerships and opportunities made possible by the Second Chance Reauthorization Act, have been shown to reduce recidivism rates and make our communities safer.  Congress must continue expanding and shifting strategies - like the Second Chance Act - to advance public safety to ultimately reach our paramount goal of keeping our communities safe,” said Congresswoman Lee.

“Securing a steady job, housing, and reintegrating into a community after serving time is a challenge more than 70 million Americans face,” said Congressman Moore. “The Second Chance Act helps programs that assist these individuals with reentry and has been proven to reduce recidivism. I have seen the benefits of this legislation in my own district at J.F. Ingram State Technical College, where they offer 20 technical training programs for incarcerated adults including automotive repair, construction, cosmetics, and logistics.”

BACKGROUND:

• In 2008, the bipartisan Second Chance Act was signed into law. 

• Since its enactment, Second Chance Act programs have supported states, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to reduce recidivism.

• To date, more than 442,000 justice-involved individuals have participated in reentry services through these programs.

• The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 will reauthorize programs from the Second Chance Act for an additional five years, allowing the government to continue making important investments across the U.S. to bolster reentry services and help individuals successfully reenter their communities after incarceration.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act is supported by the American Jail Association, American Parole and Probation Association, Catholic Charities USA, Conservative Political Action Coalition, Correctional Leaders Association, Council of State Governments Justice Center, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Counties, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National District Attorneys Association, National League of Cities, Prison Fellowship, Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

House passes Westerman bill to expand outdoor recreation opportunities

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Act (EXPLORE), bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) to expand outdoor recreation access nationwide.

Westerman released the following statement on the policy provisions included in the EXPLORE Act to reopen overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area:

“Ever since the Forest Service suspended overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area, I’ve heard from countless constituents who are disappointed with the decision and frustrated with the mismanagement of the site since the suspension. As such, I included comprehensive and responsible policies in the EXPLORE Act that will ensure the Forest Service reopens overnight camping and better manages the Albert Pike Recreation Area. No one understands the blessing of outdoor recreation opportunities quite like Arkansans, which is why I’m proud to champion the EXPLORE Act to ensure that outdoorsmen and women can safely enjoy their favorite recreation sites, like Albert Pike, for generations to come.”

Click here for Westerman’s full statement on the passage of the EXPLORE Act.

BACKGROUND:

One of the most popular sites within the Ouachita National Forest is the Albert Pike Recreation Area (APRA), a unique area that has long attracted outdoorsmen and women from across the country. The U.S. Forest Service suspended overnight camping at APRA following a major flash flood that tragically killed 20 people on June 11, 2010. Since then, APRA has been to limited day use. Congressman Westerman’s EXPLORE Act will:

• Safely re-open any existing overnight campsites outside of the 100-year flood plain within 30 days of the bill’s enactment.

• Identify 54 areas that may be suitable for overnight camping in the recreation area within 6 months of the bill’s enactment.

• Establish at least 27 new overnight camping sites outside of the 100-year flood plain, including at least 8 with electric and water hookups, for public use within 2 years of the bill’s enactment.

• Require the rehabilitation necessary to make publicly accessible areas in APRA suitable for year-round day use.

In addition to reopening overnight camping at APRA, the EXPLORE Act will:

• Improve access to public lands and waters for outdoor recreation.

• Modernize technology to improve visitor experiences, like increasing broadband connectivity and creating digital recreation passes.

• Streamline the permitting process and reduce fees for small businesses that depend on public land access.

• Protect rock climbing in iconic places and create new long-distance bike trails.

• Restore campgrounds and modernize infrastructure.

• Support gateway communities by addressing housing shortages and outdated infrastructure.

• Improve accessibility for military service members, veterans, individuals with disabilities and children.

The EXPLORE Act is supported by more than 100 outdoor organizations, including several Arkansas based organizations who advocate for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, recreational boating, rock climbing, and more.

Click herefor more information.

ICYMI: Westerman expresses concerns on EPA IRIS program & risk assessment of formaldehyde

WASHINGTON - Last week, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) sent a letter to leadership at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) expressing concern on the EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System Program (IRIS) program and how its risk assessment of formaldehyde could negatively impact important sectors of the economy and the environment.

In part, Westerman wrote:
“I urge each of you to work together to fully examine the impacts that this IRIS assessment and forthcoming EPA actions might have on several issues under the purview of each of your agencies before the EPA finalizes this risk assessment. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Section 9 of TSCA, EPA’s IRIS process, and Executive Order 12866 all contain specific requirements for interagency coordination. My concern is that this is not currently happening. In December, the EPA announced its search for candidates to assist in the peer review of the formaldehyde risk assessment and signaled that it “intends to defer to the draft 2022” IRIS assessment for forthcoming regulatory activities under TSCA and FIFRA. This assessment fails to live up to the interagency review process that is paramount to making decisions that protect the environment and public health. I urge you all to address these issues before the EPA moves forward with the IRIS risk assessment of formaldehyde.”

BACKGROUND:

• In Fall 2023, Congressman Westerman visited Bakelite Synthetics in Crossett, Arkansas, where he heard concerns from stakeholders on the EPA’s lack of consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (NWS) on its IRIS assessment of formaldehyde.

• The EPA’s IRIS Program is located within the EPA’s Office of Research and Development; this program develops risk assessments for certain chemicals.

• While the EPA plays an important role in protecting public health and the environment, the IRIS program has long been the subject of scrutiny and has been seen as lacking transparency. The U.S. Government Accountability Office issued reports in 2020 and 2022 citing concerns with delays in the process and the need for greater transparency.

• The IRIS assessment for formaldehyde is currently under development at EPA; this assessment could potentially be used to inform regulatory activities under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), among others. Regulations under these statutes can have numerous impacts across industries.

• In recent years, Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have repeatedly raised concerns about this assessment, specifically that an unworkable or unachievable standard would negatively impact multiple sectors of the economy and the environment.

• Congressman Westerman’s letter echoes these concerns, encouraging the EPA, the NMFS, and the FWS to work together in evaluating and developing this IRIS assessment.

• Given formaldehyde’s prevalence across sectors of the economy—with Arkansas home to multiple facilities that produce this chemical—the process to develop this risk assessment needs to utilize the best available science and ensure that all agencies with an interest in the issue are consulted.

Click here to read the full letter.