Corresponding with Arkansans

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.

I’m writing to ask you to strongly support and do anything in your power to pass the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act. Fentanyl overdose and deaths related to overdose are quickly becoming out of control here in Arkansas.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid commonly found in counterfeit pills, has become the leading cause of overdose deaths in Arkansas. It's heartbreaking to hear the stories of how this drug is devastating families in our state.

Federal, state and local leaders are implementing a wide range of strategies to combat this destructive reality because it’s a threat to our national security. We must target the illicit fentanyl supply chain from the chemical suppliers in China to the Mexican cartels that traffic the drugs across our southern border.

One of the solutions I’m championing is the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. This bipartisan legislation would strengthen current law so government agencies can more effectively disrupt the trafficking of fentanyl and impose sanctions on money laundering that makes this criminal activity profitable.

The good news is an overwhelming majority of my colleagues support this legislation, so I’m hopeful this bill will pass the Senate. I will be working to share the importance of this legislation with members of the House of Representatives so we can get it to the president’s desk and signed into law.

Family caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system. Please support commonsense solutions like the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act to reduce the bureaucratic red tape that is making the already tough job of being a caregiver even more challenging.

I understand the vital role caregivers play in the lives of loved ones who are ill, elderly or have serious medical conditions. I also recognize the financial and personal sacrifice that comes with caring for an ill or elderly loved one. The support they provide to the family member or loved one who is in their care is irreplaceable. That’s why I’m proud to support the ABC Act.

This bipartisan legislation would help streamline paperwork to relieve some of the administrative burden caregivers encounter to ensure their loved ones have access to the federal services and benefits they rely on. Investing in caregivers is important so they can continue to support those who need their help while also maintaining their livelihoods and health.

Thank you for cosponsoring the VA CAREERS Act of 2023. I appreciate your support of our nation's service-disabled veterans.

I’m proud to serve on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and craft policies to improve services and benefits the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform have earned.

The VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act is bipartisan legislation to bolster recruitment and retention of the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce so it has the staff and leadership necessary to meet the needs of veterans no matter where they live. I’m leading this initiative to invest in VA personnel and support them with new tools and resources, including an enhanced pay structure to compete for highly qualified medical professionals and support training for current and future VA clinicians.

This legislation was approved by SVAC last year. I look forward to sharing with my colleagues why passage of this bill is necessary to fulfilling our commitment to veterans.

I’m honored to represent Arkansas and consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to answer letters from people all across the state. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.