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.

Womack supports National Security, secures funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base

Washington, DC—March 22, 2024…Today, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1102, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,which is a package of the remaining six Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations bills, including Congressman Steve Womack’s (AR-3) Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) bill.

Congressman Womack said, “I supported the package today because I refuse to turn my back on strengthening national security, improving border security, and additional funding for Fort Smith’s critical pilot training program—all while avoiding a painful government shutdown. Although the package is far from perfect, I’m proud of the GOP’s work to secure conservative wins. The package enables the Pentagon to focus on its core mission while expanding support for our troops. It increases the number of Border Patrol agents and expands detention capacity to address the border crisis. Committed to our friend Israel, the package provides defense assistance and halts all funding for UNRWA for its proven collusion with Hamas. My FSGG bill rescinds funding for Biden’s army of IRS agents, pulls back billions of unused COVID-era slush funds, and holds Biden’s hyper-regulatory agenda in check. In a two-to-one divided government, we must take the wins where we can. I will not let the perfect get in the way of the good.”

Legislation details:

The package includes the remaining six FY24 appropriations bills: Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Legislative Branch; and State-Foreign Operations.

The Senate must pass the House-approved package for it to be signed into law by President Biden.

Ebbing Air National Guard Base:

The Defense bill includes $207.947 million for the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, AR. This funding is in addition to the $83 million signed into law on March 9.

Conservative wins:

Increases funding to the Department of Defense to modernize our military, funds a pay raise for our troops, and cuts wasteful partisan programs:

• Provides our servicemembers with a historic 5.2% pay raise — the largest in over two decades.

• Includes $1.2 billion to fight against the flow of illicit fentanyl and counternarcotics — $291 million above the President’s budget.

• Prohibits funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology and EcoHealth Alliance in China.

Increases funding for the Department of Homeland Security for border security and enforcement while rejecting a blank check for open borders:

• Increases ICE detention bed capacity to 41,500, an increase of 7,500 above the FY23 level.

• Funds 22,000 Border Patrol Agents — the highest level ever funded and same as authorized in H.R. 2.

• Restores shortfalls in border security technology and funds non-intrusive inspection equipment to counter fentanyl.

Additional policy wins:

• Reaffirms our commitment to Israel by fully funding our annual security commitment of $3.3 billion.

• Prevents the Consumer Product Safety Commission from banning gas stoves.

• Only allows for the American flag and other official flags to fly over U.S. diplomatic facilities.

• Maintains the Hyde Amendment and other pro-life protections.

Significant cuts to spending:

• Cuts 6% of overall foreign aid funds, including enhanced and new conditions on assistance to organizations like the U.N.

• Prohibits funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and U.N. Commission of Inquiry against Israel.

• Rescinds $20.2 billion from President Biden’s IRS expansion.

• Claws back an additional $6 billion in unused COVID funds.

Boozman-Led recycling and composting bills pass Senate

WASHINGTON – Legislation backed by Senate Recycling Caucus co-chair Senator John Boozman (R-AR) that would improve our nation’s recycling and composting systems unanimously passed the Senate last week.

Boozman, along with Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), have been leading proponents of the pair of legislative initiatives to enhance recycling capabilities and expand opportunities for recycling and composting in rural and underserved areas.

“These bills will lead to sustainable practices that preserve our resources while enhancing our nation’s recycling and composting infrastructure. I appreciate Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito’s leadership championing solutions to expand opportunities to be better stewards of our environment. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass these commonsense measures that will also benefit the economy and create jobs,” said Boozman.

“Most Americans want to do their part to reduce waste and harmful pollution,” said Carper. “Yet, roughly two-thirds of recyclable materials still aren’t being recycled, resulting in more and more waste polluting our land, air and oceans. These two bipartisan bills will help address several of the challenges plaguing our nation’s recycling and composting systems — including reliable data collection and improving access to recycling programs. I am pleased to see these two bills pass the Senate, and I thank Senators Capito and Boozman for once again working with me on a critical issue for our nation and our planet, because there is no Planet B.”

“By passing these bills, the Senate took a positive step forward in making it easier for more people to recycle, especially in rural states like West Virginia, which is good for the environment and our economy,” said Capito. “This bipartisan legislation would implement commonsense policies and programs to improve access to recycling across the country, and create good-paying jobs in our communities. I appreciate Chairman Carper and Senator Boozman for once again working together to increase recycling and composting opportunities in the future.” 

RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT:

The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act would improve data collection on our nation’s recycling systems and explore the potential of a national composting strategy. The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collect and publish data on recycling and composting rates across the country to provide an accurate reflection of performance both nationwide and at the state level. This information is critical to improving existing recycling and composting programs and evaluating future recycling policies.

Full text of the bill is available here.

RECYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ACCESSIBILITY ACT:

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act would establish a pilot recycling program at the EPA. This program would award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities for improving recycling accessibility in a community or communities within the same geographic area. The goal of the program is to fund eligible projects that would significantly improve access to recycling systems in underserved communities through the use of a hub-and-spoke model for recycling infrastructure development.

Full text of the bill is available here.

As a founder and co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, Boozman has championed initiatives to improve commercial and curbside recycling and hosted events bringing together industry leaders to promote sustainability and preservation of our natural resources. 

There is broad support for the recycling and composting legislation. Here are what stakeholders are saying about these bills:

American Beverage Association
“The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act and the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act will help move our country closer to a circular economy for recyclables that reduces plastic waste and decreases the use of new plastic. We will continue to work with federal lawmakers on well-designed policy that recovers more of our bottles and cans so they can be remade into new ones, as intended, keeping them out of nature.”  

American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA)
“AF&PA applauds the leadership of Senators Carper, Capito and Boozman on Senate passage of the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act and the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act. We look forward to working with Congress to address any concerns and move this legislation to improve recycling data and accessibility forward.”

Consumer Brands Association
“Consumer Brands appreciates the strong, bipartisan effort in Congress to tackle the glaring issues within America’s fragmented recycling system that are keeping us from reaching our potential. These bills make crucial investments and add the tools and resources needed to improve our current recycling systems and evaluate future recycling policies, while improving access to recycling systems in underserved communities.”

Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
“Recycling is one of the most important activities that all of us can do every day to help protect our environment, conserve natural materials, reduce energy use, and help combat climate change because recycled materials are important building blocks in the global manufacturing chain. For example, using recycled aluminum saves 95 percent of the energy needed to make virgin aluminum. Accordingly, the RCAA would establish baseline data on recycling and composting in the United States and collect data on the amounts of materials that are being diverted to landfills or incineration. This data is essential to fill the existing data gaps and provide policymakers with a better understanding of our nation’s recycling programs as we discuss policy prescriptions.”

Cotton, Banks introduce the Countering Chinese Political Warfare Act

Washington, D.C. – Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Countering Chinese Political Warfare Act, legislation that would sanction any individual or group that conducts political warfare on behalf of a foreign government against the United States. The legislation also requires the Secretary of State to determine if the United Front Work Department (UFWD)—an overseas influence arm of the Chinese Communist Party—qualifies for sanctions. Representative Jim Banks (Indiana-03) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“The Chinese Communist Party has proven that it will spread disinformation and lie any way it can—from the oppression of Uyghurs, to the origins of COVID-19, to it accessing the data of Americans who use TikTok. Any person or group who spread the Chinese Communists’ propaganda, like UFWD, should face sanctions,” said Senator Cotton. 

“The United Front Work Department has targeted our universities, state and local lawmakers, business associations and even Congress. This bill gives America the necessary tools to strike back against malign Communist Party influence on US soil,” said Congressman Banks.

Text of the bill may be found here. 

The Countering Chinese Political Warfare would:

• Create a new sanctions authority against state backed political warfare networks.

• Require the Secretary of State to examine whether or not the United Front Work Department meets the criteria to be sanctioned under this new authority. 

Background:

• On December 2, 2020 Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took the historic step of imposing visa sanctions on individuals active in the UFWD.  

• Chairman Xi has described the United Front as a “magic weapon” that will help bring about “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” 

• The United Front has led aggressive campaigns of subversion and espionage on U.S. college campuses through the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) and Chinese-language centers called Confucius Institutes. The United Front has also funded a number of think tanks in Washington D.C., and co-opted business leaders to squash criticism of China. Despite this information, there are currently over a hundred United Front organizations that openly operate in the United States.

Boozman, McConnell, colleagues push back on EPA’s regulatory overkill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in introducing legislation to block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from enforcing a new rule tightening fine particulate matter (PM2.5) standards, which would further halt the growth of America’s manufacturing industry. Boozman, McConnell and 44 other Senate Republicans have filed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to prevent the EPA from implementing this new mandate. 

The Biden administration’s EPA is tightening PM2.5 emissions for the first time in a decade, despite its own data reporting that concentrations have fallen by over 40 percent since 2000. Additionally, the vast majority of PM2.5 emissions come from sources like wildfires and dust from agriculture and roads that are not easily contained and – in some cases – impossible to control.

“Under this administration, the EPA has yet to find a burdensome regulation it didn’t embrace. Crippling the economy in countless rural communities despite evidence that current standards are delivering on cleaner air is absurd, will cost Americans’ jobs and drive up costs. I’m proud to join Leader McConnell and our colleagues to prevent this regulatory overkill from taking effect,” Boozman said.

“The Biden administration rolled out yet another job-killing mandate that would impose more unilateral economic pain at home. This one goes well beyond the regulatory standards of most European allies, let alone our top strategic competitor, China. The EPA’s new standard is so strict that upon its effect, 30 percent of U.S. counties, including many in my home state of Kentucky, would immediately find themselves out of compliance, grounding manufacturing growth to a halt. In order to keep up with President Biden’s new mandate, American manufacturers would be forced to import raw materials, like concrete and steel, for virtually any construction project. The kind of projects that grow our economy and supply good-paying jobs,” said McConnell.

Wildfires, road dust and other hard to control non-point sources now make up 84 percent of particulate matter, leaving states few options when trying to comply with EPA’s needlessly stringent new standards. Nearly 20 percent of counties in the U.S. could fail to meet the standard, resulting in permitting gridlock that threatens new infrastructure projects, expanded manufacturing and the economic growth that creates well-paying jobs. On top of that, counties with particulate matter levels just below the standards would also face restrictions on development. That’s why the U.S. Chamber supports Leader McConnell’s Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval,” said Chad Whiteman, Vice President of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Boozman, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and other senators wrote EPA Administrator Michael Regan to urge the agency to rescind the proposed rule last September.

A CRA resolution is a tool used by Congress to eliminate onerous regulations imposed by the executive branch through an expedited procedure for consideration in the Senate. A joint resolution of disapproval under the CRA is afforded special privileges that bypass normal Senate rules and allow for a vote on the Senate floor. When a CRA resolution is approved by a simple majority in both chambers of Congress and signed by the president—or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto—the rule is invalidated.

Joining Boozman and McConnell on the CRA resolution are Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tedd Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Todd Young (R-IN).

Click here for text of the CRA resolution.

Clinton Presidential Center presents conversation with Hillary Clinton, first female Archivist of the United States

KUAR | By Seth Hooker

On Thursday, March 14, the Clinton Presidential Center presented a conversation between Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States and Former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Shogan leads the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) which preserves some of the nation’s most historic documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The talk was held in honor of Women’s History Month.

Clinton began by acknowledging Shogan as the first woman to serve as Archivist of the United States. When asked why she thought it was important for women to be in the rooms where big decisions happen, Shogan said the key reason was “agenda setting.”

Clinton Presidential Center presents conversation with Hillary Clinton, first female Archivist of the United States

Clinton Center/YouTube

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks with Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan in an event hosted by the Clinton Presidential Center on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Speaker Recommends Prunes for Good Bone Health During National Nutrition Month

By Ben Boulden

March 15, 2024 | Long recommended as an aid to digestion, prunes are a good source of different nutrients important for maintaining bone density in postmenopausal women and perhaps contributing to good bone health in all adults, according to Shirin Hooshmand, Ph.D., RD.

Hooshmand is a professor of nutrition at San Diego State University in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Services. Her primary research interests include investigating nutritional factors that impact the aging process and developing interventions to improve physiological changes associated with aging.

 The presentation was part of the UAMS Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Seminar series, which presents the seminars online each month. Hooshmand was invited to speak for this month’s seminar, and March is National Nutrition Month.

Speaker Recommends Prunes for Good Bone Health During National Nutrition Month

Shirin Hooshmand, Ph.D., R.D.

Arkansas congressional delegation approve of bill that would force sale of Tik Tok

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Last week, the Arkansas congressional delegation voted in support of a bill that passed the House that would force Tik Tok, a Chinese company, to sell to an American company, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

In a press release, U.S Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, said he voted for the bill because of concerns he has related to how the data collected from the app is being handled.

“There is no separation between national security and the state when it comes to the CCP. TikTok is using CCP dominated technology that is being leveraged to gather massive amounts of data on American citizens, posing a major national security risk. We must protect Americans from the growing threat of the CCP by requiring the sale of TikTok to an American company. Whether TikTok remains on the phones of Americans or not is now up to TikTok’s owner, Chinese headquartered ByteDance,” Hill said.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which would protect central Arkansans and Americans from national security risks posed by applications owned by our foreign adversaries. 

“This is not about targeting TikTok – my vote today was about protecting central Arkansans and Americans from surveillance and manipulation by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). There is no separation between national security and the state when it comes to the CCP. TikTok is using CCP dominated technology that is being leveraged to gather massive amounts of data on American citizens, posing a major national security risk. We must protect Americans from the growing threat of the CCP by requiring the sale of TikTok to an American company. Whether TikTok remains on the phones of Americans or not is now up to TikTok’s owner, Chinese headquartered ByteDance.” 

Further Background:

 H.R. 7521 - Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act: This bill prohibits applications controlled by foreign adversaries of the United States from being distributed, maintained or updated by online app stores and allows the President to require divestment of an application’s foreign adversary-controlled company ownership or face prohibition on app stores and access to web hosting services in the United States. 

For more details on this bill, please visit HERE.

Arkansas officials provide update on safety precautions that will be taken during the solar eclipse

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Next month, Arkansas is expected to receive 300,000 to 1 million visitors in the state. The first weekend of April will be when the state will be under a solar eclipse, which is expected to bring tourists to the state.

In an interview with Arkansas PBS, Lorie Tudor, director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, said ARDOT is preparing for the increased traffic that will result from the eclipse.

“We’ll have supplies for everybody that might end up in some kind of a traffic delay situation, like gasoline, water, food and medical supplies,” she said. “We have these all terrain small vehicles that we can get in and we use these during winter weather and other times, when the traffic is in a delay situation.”

Arkansas officials provide update on safety precautions that will be taken during the solar eclipse

Boozman, Thune, Crapo Lead Colleagues in Demanding Biden Administration Increase Agricultural Exports

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, along with Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, led 18 of their colleagues in urging U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to increase U.S. agricultural exports and improve the competitiveness of U.S. products abroad.  

“We expect trade to fluctuate in response to macroeconomic factors and market conditions,” wrote the senators. “However, the current sharp decline in U.S. agricultural exports is directly attributable to and exacerbated by an unambitious U.S. trade strategy that is failing to meaningfully expand market access or reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. While the Biden administration continually refuses to pursue traditional free trade agreements, China, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and others continue to ink trade pacts that diminish American export opportunities and global economic influence.”

The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds, (R-SD), Tim Scott (R-SC), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

 Full letter here and below:

Dear Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack: 

We write to express deep concern with the continued erosion of critical markets for U.S. agricultural exports. For decades, the United States steadily increased market access for U.S. food and agricultural products. We accomplished this feat through negotiations of actual free trade agreements, removal of technical barriers to trade, and holding our trading partners accountable to their commitments, all of which have helped strengthen the agriculture economy at home and developed important strategic relationships abroad. Yet, in the last fiscal year (FY) alone, U.S. agricultural exports declined by more than $17 billion, and recent forecasts show a further decline by more than $8 billion in FY 2024. As a result, the U.S. agricultural trade deficit is projected to reach a record $30.5 billion in FY 2024. This decline is unsustainable, and we urge the Biden administration to immediately take action to improve the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products abroad and reverse this trend.

We expect trade to fluctuate in response to macroeconomic factors and market conditions. However, the current sharp decline in U.S. agricultural exports is directly attributable to and exacerbated by an unambitious U.S. trade strategy that is failing to meaningfully expand market access or reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. While the Biden administration continually refuses to pursue traditional free trade agreements, China, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and others continue to ink trade pacts that diminish American export opportunities and global economic influence.

International trade is critical to the continued success of U.S. agriculture. For the 2023 marketing year, nearly 70 million acres of major crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat were planted to meet the demands of our foreign customers. Additionally, more than 95 percent of U.S. cotton produced, nearly 80 percent of almonds produced, and more than 70 percent of nonfat milk powder produced were destined for the export market in 2023. And in a typical year, half of U.S.-produced rice and 20 percent of U.S.-produced potatoes are exported. Diminishing access to foreign agricultural markets for U.S. industries creates significant economic headwinds and jeopardizes the livelihoods of more than one million American workers, farmers, and ranchers, as well as millions more U.S. jobs throughout the export supply chain. 

With our concerns in mind, please respond to the following questions within 14 days of your receipt of this letter. 

• What specific actions does the Biden administration plan to take to increase U.S. agricultural exports in 2024?

• Does the Biden administration intend to pursue new or improved free trade agreements with any countries to obtain new market access for agricultural products in 2024?

We further ask the Biden administration to take steps to analyze and consider the relationship between U.S. competitiveness and market share in foreign agricultural markets with negotiated tariffs, tariff rate quotas, and other market access provisions. 

A continued decline in U.S. agricultural exports is avoidable and unacceptable. The Biden administration must take immediate action to ensure this does not become a long-term trend. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. 

NWA 18th fastest growing U.S. metro; Benton County leads state’s growth

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Northwest Arkansas, or the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro, remained the fastest-growing metro in the state in 2023. Benton County was the state’s fastest-growing county.

On Thursday (March 14), the U.S. Census Bureau released metro area and county population estimates as of July 1, 2023.

Alison Wright, data center division head of the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI), said the metro estimates were expected with the continued growth in Northwest Arkansas. The metro was the 18th fastest-growing in the United States. Its population rose by 2.3% to 590,337 in 2023 from 576,967 in 2022. The growth rate rank was up from 24th in the previous year. Northwest Arkansas had the 32nd largest population gain in the nation at 13,370. The rank was down from 30th in the previous year.

NWA 18th fastest growing U.S. metro; Benton County leads state’s growth

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.” 

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.

Womack statement on protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act

Washington, DC—March 13, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act:

“I realize there are millions of TikTok users across the country, including our district. I want these users to understand that our goal with this bill is not to ban TikTok. Our goal is to protect users by separating apps from foreign adversaries, which in this case is the Chinese Communist Party. TikTok is accumulating mass amounts of data, gaining influence over its American users, and using it against them. This exposes us all to serious national security threats. We want TikTok to continue to operate, and it will if they choose to separate from the Chinese Communist Party. I’m proud to support this important legislation.”

Release: Reps. Hill, Caraveo, and Senators Schmitt, Duckworth introduce the Taiwan and America Space Assistant act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), alongside Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), today introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act of 2024 – otherwise known as the TASA Act – to help address current gaps in our nation’s ability to further cooperate with and support Taiwan’s efforts in space. 

“With the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) still in its infancy, our bill would allow NASA and NOAA to cooperate with Taiwan on civilian space activities, including satellite, space exploration, and atmospheric and weather programs. Allowing our agencies to collaborate with TASA demonstrates to China the strength of American and Taiwanese cooperation and the United States’ commitment to working with our partners in the region. As Taiwan builds up their space agency, American support and partnerships encourages Taiwan to continue investing in their own space capabilities,” said Rep. Hill. 

“The Taiwan Space Agency has demonstrated a clear long-term commitment to space exploration, and the United States should welcome those efforts through bilateral cooperation. The TASA Act would allow NASA and NOAA to work in concert with the Taiwan Space Agency while also demonstrating to Indo-Pacific regional allies – as well as the United States’ top competitor, China – that we remain focused on advancing national security through international partnership. Both the U.S. and Taiwan stand to gain key insights by working together in the realm of space exploration, cooperating on weather programs, and collaborating to develop the next generation of satellite technology,” said Rep. Caraveo. 

“As the world and technology have advanced in recent years, space is now at the forefront of ensuring our national security and strengthening our coalitions abroad. Taiwan’s location in the Indo-Pacific is vital to the United States’ national defense and the safety of other countries in the region. U.S. cooperation with Taiwan in the space domain – especially for advancements in satellite capabilities and operations – affords the United States the ability to gain key insight into space functions in the region while also further expanding our lines of communication with an important ally. The TASA Act would allow the United States to exchange expertise with Taiwan, share in technological findings in space exploration and satellite operations, and take important steps towards securing international partnerships against the malign influences of China, our chief adversary,” said Sen. Schmitt. 

“With the constant expansion of new, innovative technology for space exploration and satellite operations and the United States’ leadership in this sector, it’s as crucial as ever that we work with our partners in the Indo-Pacific to advance and prosper. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act of 2024 alongside my colleagues to help our nation work with Taiwan to utilize new technologies and improve our work in the space domain," said Sen. Duckworth.

Further Background:

• As it currently stands under the U.S. government’s “One China Policy,” NASA does not have the authority to work with the Taiwan Space Agency for various space endeavors. TASA would not only give NASA that authority, but it would also instruct NASA to work with Taiwan in areas of mutual benefit, including satellite programs, space exploration programs, and atmospheric and weather programs.

• The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) is a relatively new organization and was created on January 20, 2022. The creation of TASA marked a prioritization of Taiwan’s involvement in the space domain—coupled with an announcement in 2019 of $25.1 billion over the next decade to grow the nation’s commercial space capabilities.

• Taiwan is rapidly trying to build out an organization that can domestically produce and launch its own satellites.

• The TASA Act will create a vital partnership for the U.S. and NASA in the Indo-Pacific and allow Taiwan to gain essential knowledge and expertise from NASA to further its space capabilities.

• Specifically, the TASA Act would:

  • Allow for extended cooperation between the Taiwan Space Agency and NASA

  • Allow for extended cooperation between the Taiwan Space Agency and NOAA

  • Provide an avenue for the voluntary exchange of personnel from NASA and NOAA to the Taiwan Space Agency to further advance Taiwan’s space capabilities.

  • Extend cooperation in areas of satellite program development, space exploration, as well as atmospheric and weather programs.

Readout of Governor Sanders’ Meeting with President Yoon

SEOUL, Republic of Korea – On Monday, March 11, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders concluded her trade mission to the Republic of Korea (ROK) with a meeting with His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, President of ROK. Sanders’ spokeswoman Alexa Henning released the following statement: 

“Governor Sanders thanked President Yoon for his hospitality and provided an update on her conversations with Korean businesses and investment opportunities in Arkansas. President Yoon expressed that with a friendly business climate, including low taxes, and a supply of energy resources, including lithium, ROK companies would rightly be interested in Arkansas. President Yoon said his government is committed to helping Korean companies invest in the United States and Governor Sanders said that increased investment and trade is key to countering the Chinese Communist Party. The Governor invited President Yoon to visit Arkansas the next time he is in the United States, and President Yoon applauded Governor Sanders for the state’s efforts to foster strong Korean communities. President Yoon also expressed his appreciation for the 6,000 Arkansans who served in the Korean War. Governor Sanders told the President that the trip had been productive with lots of opportunity ahead to strengthen ties even further between Arkansas and ROK.”

Economic Cooperation Agreement Between the State of Arkansas of the United States of America and Korea’s International Trade Association and Korea’s-U.S. Economic Council, Inc.

SEOUL, Republic of Korea — On Monday, March 11, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the State of Arkansas and Korea’s International Trade Association and Korea’s-U.S. Economic Council, Inc. 

The text of the agreement is below:

Whereas: It is agreed by and amongst The State of Arkansas (State), the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and Korea-U.S. Economic Council, Inc. (KUSEC) that the signatory State and the Republic of Korea have bright prospects for expanded economic cooperation, potential to yield further, and substantial mutual benefits based on the complementary economic structures of the two; and

Whereas: The State, KITA and KUSEC each bear important responsibilities for fostering the growth of trade and investment relations within the frameworks of our free enterprise economies.

Now, therefore, The State, KITA and KUSEC agree that each will take the further necessary steps to:

1. Promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the respective private sector business communities of the State of Arkansas and the Republic of Korea in the fields of trade, joint venture facilitation, and investment relations.

2. Exchange and disseminate relevant business and economic information on goods and services that are available from the other country/state to businesses of their respective countries.

3. Notify each other of trade exhibitions and investment seminars to be held in each party’s respective country/state, and render appropriate and timely assistance when requested.

4. Sponsor and promote exchanges and visits by delegations and businesses of each party’s respective country/state and extend cooperation and assistance to the visitors sponsored by the other party.

5. Advise each other of firms that have interest in joint ventures or investment in each party’s respective country.

6. Given the specific cultural and economic importance of agriculture industry to both the Republic of Korea and the State of Arkansas, cooperate on trade and agricultural science and technology initiatives.

7. Given the growing importance of lithium in global markets, with the Republic of Korea as an industry leader, and considering Arkansas’ rapidly developing lithium industry, cooperate to develop business ties with a focus on leveraging lithium resources and insights between both entities. 

This agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signature by the representatives of both parties concerned and will remain valid for ten years. It will be extended automatically, one year at a time, unless written notice is given by one party to the other for termination of the agreement not less than six months before the next date of expiration. The agreement will be executed on a best effort basis and is not intended to create any legal or financial obligation for either institution. 

Signed in Seoul on the 11th of March, 2024.

U.S. crude oil production continues to break records

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States has produced more crude oil than any other nation for the sixth consecutive year. In 2023, the production average of 12.9 million barrels per day exceeded the previous global record of 12.3 million barrels per day, set in 2019.

According to the EIA, the United States set a monthly production record of more than 13.3 million barrels per day in December 2023. The 2023 record set by the United States is unlikely to be broken by another country in the short term because no other country has reached a production capacity of 13 million barrels per day. Saudi Aramco, a state-owned company in Saudi Arabia, recently scrapped plans to increase production capacity to 13 million barrels per day by 2027.

The United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia accounted for 40% of global oil production in 2023. The three countries have produced more oil than any other since 1971. By comparison, the next largest three producers – Canada, Iraq and China – combined produced 13.1 million barrels per day in 2023.

U.S. crude oil production continues to break records

Boozman, colleagues urge Senate leadership to advance legislation to protect National Security and support Marshallese and all COFA citizens

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) in calling on Senate leadership to support legislation renewing the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. 

Boozman is a long-time advocate for restoring access to federal benefits for COFA citizens legally living in the U.S. The largest population of Marshallese in the continental U.S. resides in Springdale, Arkansas.

Last year, the senator introduced the Compact Impact Fairness Act, legislation to renew eligibility for COFA citizens to receive public benefits they are entitled to.  

Congress has built on the foundation of the Boozman-backed legislation and negotiated a plan to renew the agreement, protect U.S. interests in the Pacific and block the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to expand its corrupting influence in the region.  

Boozman, Manchin, Barrasso and a bipartisan group of senators wrote a letter to Senate leaders urging them to advance the legislation. 

In addition to Boozman, Manchin and Barrasso, the letter is signed by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). 

Full text of the letter is available here and below: 

Dear Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Chair Murray and Ranking Member Collins:

We write in support of legislation to renew the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, including in any legislative vehicle.

Our COFA partnerships are critical to U.S. national security. Failure to pass the renegotiated Compacts as soon as possible imperils our relationships with the Freely Associated States and the entire Pacific Island region, who view the COFA as a barometer of the U.S. commitment to the region. They ensure that we, rather than a nation hostile to U.S. interests, maintain strategic control of the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is engaged in active efforts to undermine Pacific Island nations’ confidence in the United States. Failure to act on COFA opens the door to more corrupting influence and funding by the PRC in the region. The PRC is pursuing military basing and policing agreements in the region and working to undermine recognition of Taiwan, and exerting corrupting influence in several other countries. Without the COFA agreements, these trends would accelerate.

These unique bilateral agreements are the product of nearly four years of negotiations under two Presidential Administrations, and year-long negotiations across eight primary committees of jurisdiction in the House and Senate and multiple others. The resulting bicameral, bipartisan legislation will secure U.S. national security in the Indo-Pacific for the next two decades.

We ask for your support in moving the COFA package forward with the urgency it requires. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Womack votes to continue progress on full-year funding; avoid government shutdown

Washington, DC—February 29, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7463, the Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024.

Congressman Womack said, "We've punted our fundamental duty of funding the government five months past the due date. I'm incredibly disappointed—America deserves better. Another CR is regrettably necessary to responsibly avoid a harmful government shutdown and protect hardworking Americans, veterans, and our troops. Important projects in Arkansas' Third, including the FMS mission in Fort Smith, depend on our progress. This move will keep us on track to pass full-year appropriations this month."

The continuing resolution extends FY23 funding for the following appropriations bills through March 8, 2024:

• Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies

• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

• Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

The bill extends FY23 for the remaining eight bills through March 22, 2024

Womack has consistently advocated for solutions to fix the broken budget and appropriations process, which has failed the American people for too long. He co-chaired the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform and introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to modernize and streamline current processes. Some of the reforms he supported would have helped prevent a budget and appropriations deadline crisis like we see today. Additionally, he called for moving to a biennial budget, ensuring realistic deadlines for Congress to complete its budget and appropriations work, and requiring a joint Budget Committee hearing on the Fiscal State of the Nation.

Boozman preserves memories of Jonesboro veteran

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service of Ed Watson in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series highlighting the military service of Arkansans.

Veteran Ed Watson

Watson was born at his family’s home in Craighead County in 1946. He still calls the area home.

He attended Arkansas State University and spent many hours in the radio and TV department on a work scholarship. He recalled how his limited knowledge of classical musicians led him to mispronounce the names of well-known composers.

“I may as well laugh about it now because it was really funny, but I had a very supportive group of people here,” he said.

Watson also participated in ROTC while at Arkansas State. However, his grades weren’t good enough to get a deferment so, after more than two years of college, he was drafted.

The news was hard on his family. Watson said his dad was a supporter of the military, but he paid attention to the news and knew the dangers ahead for his son.

“He was pretty much up to date on what was going on in Vietnam and he was scared to death for me.”

Watson went to Fort Polk, Louisiana for basic training and said his ROTC experience made him better prepared than most other draftees. He was recognized as the best trainee of the cycle in his unit.

Following basic training, he went to Fort Ord, California for one week then to combat engineering training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Watson was able to return home and earn some money at a local job before resuming duty at Fort Lewis, Washington where he shipped out to Vietnam.

While deployed, he served as a combat demolitionist.

“There were nights on end that we had mortar attacks. In fact, I have a flag that has holes in it, that I had put up on a bamboo pole on top of my bunker. We were sleeping in trenches on the ground with steel matting over the top of that and sandbags on top of that. And I had stuck this flag up and a mortar hit our hole, it didn’t hit any of us, it dispersed,” he said.  

Watson spent 50 weeks in Vietnam. He rotated out two weeks early because he was saving money to be married and had unused vacation days. However, the time overseas took a toll.

“Those around me know I came back a different person,” he said “I was somewhat different. I will say a little harder, harsher,” he said.

Once back in the U.S., he still had time remaining on his two-year commitment so he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas in an armored unit.

Watson said part of his commitment included serving in the reserves once he left active duty. He remembered a conversation with an officer who served in Vietnam during the same time he was there about re-enlisting. He learned even the officer had no interest in continuing his military service.

With encouragement from Army officials, Watson decided to apply for an early separation so he could return to school in Arkansas. 

He acknowledged the support of Arkansas State Professor Charles Rasberry, a Navy veteran, for helping him finish his degree.

“He made sure I took classes that were in my chosen field and helped me out a lot.”

Watson said military service changed his attitude, but he would do it again.

“If you see a veteran, thank them for their service,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in the service, he recalled a conversation he overheard with a veteran who was being thanked “His response was ‘Thank you, you’re worth it.’ And I’ve adopted that. That’s how I respond.”

The one thing he wishes could be different is how civilians view the men and women who wore our nation’s uniform.

“If they knew what a veteran goes through, if they knew what a veteran lives with, I think they’d view us differently.”

“Ed Watson honorably served our country. Like many others of his generation, his military service shaped his life and appreciation for the unique experiences of those who spend time in our military. His story is an important piece of a larger narrative that helps us understand our own history. I’m pleased to recognize his selfless sacrifice and preserve his memories,” Boozman said.

Boozman submitted Watson’s entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.