This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 22, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Members of the Natural State's congressional delegation have voiced support for President Donald Trump and the decision to strike three Iranian sites.

The military action occurred more than a week into the Israel-Iran conflict.

Republican Rep. Rick Crawford — the chair of the House Intelligence Committee — said the United States, Israel and other nations are "making it clear that the world would never accept Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon."

Sen. Tom Cotton — a fellow Republican who leads the Senate Intelligence Committee — said he hopes Iran heeds the president's warning and reconsiders any ideas of retaliatory attacks against Americans.

Meanwhile, the Senate parliamentarian has ruled against several provisions of Senate Republicans' tax and spending proposal, including language from the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and the committee had proposed modifications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and agriculture programs, but the Senate parliamentarian has determined some changes violate the Senate's rules on considering budgetary measures.

STORY: Senate parliamentarian’s decision sets up roadblock for GOP’s planned SNAP changes

Boozman, of Rogers, and two fellow Arkansans — Cotton, of Little Rock, and Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark. — continue their campaign to protect the Pine Bluff Arsenal in Jefferson County.

Boozman and Cotton pressed defense officials about the U.S Army's organic industrial base last week in separate hearings. Westerman and Army officials toured the Pine Bluff Arsenal; the Hot Springs congressman said he hopes the tour provided insight into the installation's importance in filling white phosphorus munitions.

STORY: Boozman, Cotton, Westerman continue push to protect Pine Bluff Arsenal

Thank you for listening to this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on Bluesky for developments from the nation's capital!

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 15, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Arkansans joined demonstrators across the country Saturday to protest President Donald Trump and his administration's policies during the first months of his second White House stint.

The No Kings rallies took place on the same day of the Army’s parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating its 250th anniversary. The parade in the nation’s capital also coincided with Trump's 79th birthday.

On Capitol Hill, two committees in the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation last week establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets.

The House Financial Services and Agriculture committees considered the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in separate markups last Tuesday. The legislation would clarify the roles of federal agencies in regulating digital assets and people interested in such investments.

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., leads the House Financial Services Committee.

STORY: Two U.S. House committees consider new rules for digital assets

The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee has put forward its portion of Senate Republicans' proposal advancing their policy goals.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., announced the legislation last Wednesday as senators continue assembling the legislative package.

The plan has similarities to the House's "one, big beautiful bill" and its language on nutrition assistance, although senators are pushing less strict terms in provisions regarding work requirements and a mandate for states to cover some food benefit costs.

STORY: Boozman, U.S. Senate committee unveil reconciliation bill

Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., is again proposing a constitutional amendment to allow Congress to pass legislation prohibiting actions desecrating the U.S. flag, such as burning the flag.

The Supreme Court has ruled flag burning and similar acts are protected "expressive conduct" under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

STORY: Womack pushes again for constitutional amendment targeting ‘physical desecration’ of American flag

Thank you for listening to this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on Bluesky for developments from the nation's capital!

Welcome to "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 8, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

A federal district court has sided with the state in a legal challenge against Arkansas' congressional map.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas issued a ruling on Friday stating opponents of the current boundaries failed to provide sufficient evidence proving state lawmakers acted with racial discrimination in their decision to split Pulaski County into three districts.

The plaintiffs claimed the division dilutes the strength of Black voters in Central Arkansas.

STORY: Federal court sides with state in congressional map dispute

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., wants Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to invest more in the Pine Bluff Arsenal.

Cotton's push occurs as the Army is undertaking a "transformation initiative," which could result in consolidating military installations across the country.

STORY: Cotton argues for expansion of Pine Bluff Arsenal; Army secretary blames ‘constraints’ for search elsewhere

Disability Rights Arkansas has started accepting new cases again after pausing this service in April.

The independent nonprofit organization had to briefly halt taking new clients because the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education had not delivered necessary grant funding.

Disability Rights Arkansas has credited the state's congressional delegation and lawmaker's push for the funding's release.

STORY: Federal agencies release grants for Disability Rights Arkansas, group resumes accepting new clients

Thank you for listening to this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on Bluesky for developments from the nation's capital!