I’ve been on the road visiting with farmers, ranchers, foresters, rural community leaders and nutrition specialists since we began undertaking the daunting task of writing a new farm bill. At the invitation of my colleagues, I’ve traveled across the country to hear directly from stakeholders as to what we need to include in this contract between Congress and our nation’s agriculture community. ...

Investments by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in Arkansas are helping promote growth and progress that improve quality of life across our state. Already this year, grants to educate healthcare professionals in Newport, water infrastructure improvements in Trumann and tornado recovery efforts in Jonesboro have been awarded. I’m proud to advocate for these projects and enhancements to EDA so it can continue to boost economic success in Natural State communities...

Arkansas has a long and proud history of service to our country, including generations who have worn our nation’s uniform, steadfast community support for our Armed Forces and significant contributions to U.S. national security. I’m proud to continue that commitment at the federal level and champion investment to expand our state’s role in protecting America, our allies and interests well into the future...

Natural State families continue to feel the pain of rising prices for transportation, food and everyday items. It’s no surprise that hardworking individuals are struggling to make ends meet. According to the latest economic data inflation cost Arkansans $770 in February. Consumer prices continue to tick up and we’re all making difficult decisions with our shrinking budgets...

We are experiencing a maternal health crisis. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries. Complications from pregnancy and childbirth also negatively impact the health of infants. March of Dimes, the leading organization fighting for improvements for the health of moms and babies, gave the U.S. a D+ for its rate of preterm births which are the leading cause of infant deaths nationwide. There is urgency to act...

Tax filing season is upon us, so it’s important to pay attention to deadlines and changes impacting our families and businesses. Whether scrambling to find documents or well-organized, there are resources to help us successfully complete this annual practice...

There’s nothing like being out of Washington, D.C. and on the ground in Natural State communities for a week or two. I’m grateful to have had time recently to do just that since the Senate calendar called for another in-state work period...

We can be proud of the contributions of Arkansas farmers and ranchers to feed and clothe the world. The Natural State is a major exporter of rice, soybeans, cotton and poultry. Agriculture accounts for nearly 25 percent of our state’s economic activity, so it’s critical we foster an economic environment to help these operations thrive. Trade is a critical component to that formula...

The movie “Back to the Future Part II” famously predicted we would be driving flying cars by 2015. We’re still driving on roads, but there is no question the automobile industry is evolving and changing how we move around. Today’s vehicles are more reliable and fuel efficient. It’s important they continue to be affordable even as more technology gets integrated. I’m championing initiatives to make that a reality well into the future...

In the last census, more than half of Arkansas’s 75 counties lost population. That trend continues nationwide. In addition to shifting demographics, rural America faces other challenges including aging infrastructure, declining health and lack of access to capital...

I appreciate Arkansans sharing with me what issues are important to them and potential legislative solutions they support. Whether it’s over the phone, in-person meetings, letters or emails, regularly hearing from folks in our state is necessary so I can be an effective voice for priorities of Natural State residents. Here are some policies our friends and neighbors are urging the Senate to advance...

Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day they dress in their uniform and leave for work. We are grateful for the men and women who take that risk to protect and serve their neighbors and keep their community safe. We must honor their service and sacrifice as well as continually recognize their heroism and courage...

With continuously rising costs for everyday essentials, hardworking Arkansans are stretched thin. When incomes run out, sometimes days or weeks before the next paycheck, it creates some difficult choices. To make matters worse, grocery prices have climbed nearly 21 percent since the beginning of 2021 resulting in an urgent role for nutrition assistance in communities across our state...

The last time Joe Brindley saw his big brother, Kenyon, was in 1941. The younger Brindley recalled Kenyon’s generosity at leaving his siblings his uneaten piece of lemon pie before heading back to his U.S. Army Air Force assignment. While Kenyon regularly wrote letters to his family, those stopped nearly 80 years ago...

As another year draws to close, news outlets will be highlighting many of the most significant people, places and events of the past year. As we all consider how much has changed in the last twelve months, I also know that the most important stories are the ones that impact us and our families directly. Births and deaths. New adventures. Difficult challenges...

The Senate recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. This legislation invests in America’s servicemembers, helps secure our homeland, equips America and our allies to deter threats from adversaries and strengthens Arkansas’s role in our national defense...

Serving others is a holiday tradition and, I’m proud to say, an Arkansas tradition. This is a great time of year to reflect on our blessings and consider how we can help others who aren’t surrounded by loved ones or experience tough times during the holidays. ...

Craighead County residents have recently reported receiving calls from a scammer falsely identifying himself as a law enforcement officer. To make this ruse even more believable, the caller ID spoofs the sheriff department’s phone number, so it looks like the call is coming from the authorities. The caller demands their victim pays over the phone with a prepaid gift card to avoid arrest...

Small Business Saturday is an important holiday tradition for local businesses and neighborhood retailers. This promotion encourages folks to invest in entrepreneurs in their communities by shopping at t homegrown stores during the Christmas season. This is an important step to support small businesses at a time when increasing challenges make it difficult to thrive...

November is National Adoption Month, which is appropriate as we prepare our homes to welcome friends and family we each hold dear. Likewise, we are thankful for those who open their hearts and homes to provide a safe and loving environment for children to find happiness and build a successful future...