This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 29, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Congressional Republicans hope to meet President Donald Trump's July 4 deadline for passing their sweeping tax and spending measure, but trying to reach this goal has not come without challenges.

Senate Republicans had to revise parts of their bill after Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough struck down several provisions, including language affecting Medicaid.

The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee — under the leadership of Arkansas Republican John Boozman — resubmitted text affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program after MacDonough rejected parts of the committee's original proposal.

Meanwhile, congressional Democrats and advocates are pushing back against the effort, warning of the measure's possible impacts to Medicaid and SNAP.

STORY: Arkansans head to Capitol Hill to protest SNAP, Medicaid proposals

STORY: Senate parliamentarian OKs Boozman committee’s revised SNAP proposal

Thank you for checking out 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 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!

In a change of pace from our usual coverage, this week's "Arkies in the Beltway" episode focuses away from the nation's capital. Democrats from across the country — including Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin — traveled to Little Rock last week for the State Association of Democratic Committee's annual spring meeting, during which members discussed voter outreach strategies and reflected on last year's election.

The meeting occurred four months after Martin ascended to the top position among national Democrats. Martin, who previously led Minnesota Democrats, has stressed the importance of state parties in his efforts to improve Democrats' election performance and overall image.

STORY: Democrats converge in Little Rock as state, national parties chart course for future elections

Thank you for checking out 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 May 18, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Reconciliation work remained the talk of Capitol Hill as House Republicans continued to put together a plan combining spending cuts with an extension of the 2017 tax cuts.

Away from the nation's capital, a group of Arkansans celebrated President Donald Trump's plans to ease sanctions on Syria.

The United States placed sanctions on Syria amid former President Bashar Assad's atrocities against the Syrian people.

The Syrian Emergency Task Force — a nonprofit organization with offices in Washington and Little Rock — has been an instrumental force in raising awareness of Assad's actions and leading humanitarian efforts in the war-torn nation.

Members of the task force recently traveled to Damascus to meet with top Syrian officials, including interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, to discuss the country's future.

STORY: Arkansans see 'new possibilities' for Syria following U.S. plans to end sanctions

One Arkansas farmer provided senators with insight into the importance of agriculture conservation programs.

Arkansas Farm Bureau board member Brad Doyle testified before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee about these federal initiatives as farmers and other producers wait to see if Congress will approve a new Farm Bill later this year.

STORY: Arkansas agriculture leader discusses conservation funding during U.S. Senate hearing

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., watched the House of Representatives approve his latest bill to expand the Flatside Wilderness Area in Central Arkansas.

Hill, of Little Rock, has been pushing legislation to expand protections for more than nearby 2,200 acres, which would limit construction and other human activities in this space.

STORY: U.S. House approves Hill legislation expanding Flatside Wilderness

Thank you for checking out 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 May 11, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

House Republicans continue their work on Capitol Hill to finalize a budget package cutting the deficit and extending the 2017 tax cuts.

The House Natural Resources Committee — led by Arkansan Bruce Westerman — approved its portion of the proposal last week. The committee's legislation seeks to generate $18.5 billion in savings and new revenue over the next 10 years.

STORY: Westerman, U.S. House committee approves energy-focused legislation aimed at boosting production and reducing deficit

Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., led the House Intelligence Committee on its release of a report assessing the FBI's investigation into the June 2017 congressional baseball shooting outside of Washington.

Crawford, of Jonesboro, and the committee determined the FBI was incorrect in its assessment of the attack being a "suicide by cop," noting the agency's own evidence showing the shooting was an act of domestic terrorism.

STORY: Crawford, House Intelligence Committee blast FBI for assessment of 2017 baseball shooting

One Arkansas farmer is seeking a chance to challenge Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., in next year's Senate race.

Hallie Shoffner has helped with managing her family's farm near Newport since 2016, but following their decision to close the operation amid a tough agricultural economy, she says she wants to help Arkansans like her who feel their voices remain unheard.

STORY: Sixth-generation Arkansas farmer plans to challenge Cotton for U.S. Senate

Thank you for listening to "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 May 4, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

The Senate and House of Representatives are back in action on Capitol Hill, and some House committees did not waste any time considering their portions of the reconciliation package.

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., and the House Financial Services Committee approved its section authorizing steps for reducing the deficit by $1 billion over the next 10 years.

Committee Democrats opposed the language, arguing their Republican colleagues are pushing for potentially harmful spending reductions for the sake of extending the 2017 tax law.

STORY: Hill, U.S. House committee approves portion of reconciliation plan

Disability Rights Arkansas has stopped accepting new cases amid a snafu concerning federal funding.

The organization, which provides advocacy and litigation services to Arkansans with disabilities, was supposed to receive federal grant dollars in the weeks after Congress approved its most recent continuing resolution funding the government. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, however, have not delivered that funding.

STORY: Disability Rights Arkansas not accepting new cases, citing undelivered federal support

Warren Stephens is the new ambassador to the United Kingdom.

The Senate confirmed Stephens — a longtime investment banker and former leader of Stephens. Inc. — last Tuesday in a 59-39 vote.

STORY: U.S. Senate confirms Warren Stephens as United Kingdom ambassador

Thank you for checking out this week's "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!