Womack holds National Transportation Safety Board oversight hearing

Washington, DC—March 26, 2025…Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) held his first public hearing of the 119th Congress to conduct oversight of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy was the witness, appearing for the first time before Congress since the tragic mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in January. Today is also the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

THUD Chairman Womack delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “Safety is a top priority for this subcommittee in our work to fund the nation’s transportation network. It is our duty to ensure we provide appropriate levels of support to transportation programs that ensure the safety of our skies, roads, and railroads.

“It is also our duty on this committee to support the operations of the National Transportation Safety Board. This critical, independent safety watchdog helps ensure our world-class transportation system is as safe as possible, identifying the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of some of our most tragic accidents and puzzling events in civil transportation.”

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “When you get on a plane, drive over a bridge, or board a train – you shouldn’t have to wonder if you’ll make it to your destination safely. The mission of Chair Homendy and her team at the National Transportation Safety Board is essential to that point. They investigate why an accident occurred and identify measures to prevent it from happening again. They don’t speculate – they find the facts necessary to uphold the highest standards of reliability and safety.

“As we begin the FY26 appropriations process, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to responsibly fund the critical safety missions and transportation infrastructure needs of this country.”

Congressman Womack’s full remarks as prepared are available here.

A video of Congressman Womack’s questions for Chair Homendy can be found here.

A full recording of the hearing is available here.

A video of Congressman Womack’s opening remarks is below.

Walmart receives top spot in national grocery shopper survey

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Bentonville-based Walmart held the top spot with 63% of U.S. shoppers in a survey using the retailer to shop for groceries, according to YouGov’s grocery store ranking survey for 2025.

The online polling firm reports Walmart held a 20.8% lead over second-place Target as the place they shop for groceries. Rounding out the top five were deep discounter Aldi with 32.8% of the share, Costco with 31.8%, and Kroger with 23.9%.

Sam’s Club ranked sixth with a 22.8% share of shoppers’ choices for their next grocery purchase. Trader Joe’s (20.5%), Whole Foods Market (15.9%), Publix (13.3%), and Amazon Fresh (12%) were in the top 10 retailer rankings in the recent survey.

Walmart receives top spot in national grocery shopper survey

Boozman Leads Bipartisan Bills to Address Doctor Shortage in Rural Areas

WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is continuing his efforts to increase access to reliable, quality health care for Arkansans by championing legislation that supports and attracts the next generation of doctors and medical professionals to The Natural State.

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Boozman and Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) recently introduced the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act to ease financial burdens on medical professionals completing their medical training, and the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act to increase available medical residency spots and prioritize placement in rural and underserved areas. 

Nationwide, the U.S. faces a projected shortage between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034 according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. More than 500,000 Arkansans live in an area defined by the federal government as lacking the adequate number of health professionals to serve the population. 

“Addressing the shortage of medical professionals is a necessary step in ensuring Arkansans are able to access affordable and reliable health care no matter where they live,” said Boozman. “These bipartisan bills are practical efforts to encourage students to pursue careers in medicine by helping mitigate some of the financial barriers and burdens associated with internship and residency requirements while also ensuring more medical school graduates train and go on to practice in the communities that desperately need them.”

Boozman and Rosen’s Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act would help alleviate the health care provider shortage by allowing medical professionals to defer their student loan payments without accruing interest until the completion of their respective residency or internship programs. This deferment will decrease the financial burden for future doctors, dentists and other medical providers who face a median medical debt of over $200,000 upon graduation.

The senators also introduced the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act to redistribute available residency slots in a manner that prioritizes areas experiencing physician shortages. Medical professionals are more likely to practice medicine where they completed their residencies, and opening more opportunities in rural communities is a strong step forward to ensure Arkansans have access to reliable health care.

Ozark United FC releases plans for mixed-use development at stadium site

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

A planned soccer stadium for Ozark United FC in Rogers has grown to include a $250 million to $350 million sports-anchored entertainment district on 36 acres.

Located at the intersection of West Perry Road and South Bellview Road in Rogers, the site will include commercial, retail, and residential spaces, positioning the project as a year-round “live-work-play” destination for the region.

Renderings and details of the updated site plan were released Tuesday night (March 25) by the founders of the soccer club.

“Our goal has always been to create more than just a stadium; we want to build a lasting home for soccer and a hub for community engagement,” said Chris Martinovic, co-founder of Ozark United FC in a news release. “This district will provide fans, residents, and visitors with an unparalleled experience both on and off matchdays.”

Ozark United FC releases plans for mixed-use development at stadium site

Rendering courtesy of Buf Studio.

Hip, Knee Specialist Simon Mears, M.D., Ph.D., Returns to UAMS Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

By Linda Satter

LITTLE ROCK — Simon Mears, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee joint-related conditions, has returned to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) after a year in an endowed professorship in orthopaedics at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Mears specializes in hip and knee replacement surgery and taking care of patients with complex joint problems such as periprosthetic fractures, revisions and infections.

“We are ecstatic that Dr. Mears has returned to the UAMS Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,” said C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., professor and chair of the department. “He is an outstanding joint replacement surgeon and a leader at the campus level for quality and safety. In addition, he is a nationally recognized researcher in hip and knee replacement.”

Hip, Knee Specialist Simon Mears, M.D., Ph.D., Returns to UAMS Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Simon Mears, M.D., Ph.D.

Cathy Cole and Denton Seilhan Pledge $1 Million to Create Endowed Chair for Child and Family Resilience at UAMS

By Andrew Vogler

LITTLE ROCK — Cathy Cole and Denton Seilhan pledged $1 million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to establish the Cathy Cole Seilhan and Denton Seilhan Endowed Chair for Child and Family Resilience in the College of Medicine’s Department of Family and Preventive Medicine.

“I want to thank the Seilhans for their visionary gift to UAMS that establishes the Cathy Cole Seilhan and Denton Seilhan Endowed Chair for Child and Family Resilience,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “With the assistance of these funds, we will be able to help many children throughout our state who have experienced trauma and mental health issues.”

The gift was made in honor of Nikki Edge, Ph.D., professor and vice chair for research in the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and director of the department’s Research and Evaluation Division, who will be invested in the chair later this year.

Cathy Cole and Denton Seilhan Pledge $1 Million to Create Endowed Chair for Child and Family Resilience at UAMS

Denton and Cathy Cole Seilhan have been champions of Arkansas children, dedicating their time and resources to improving the lives of the state’s most vulnerable citizens and children.

Womack Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Tipped Workers

Washington, DC—March 24, 2025…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) reintroduced the Tipped Employee Protection Act of 2025, legislation to clarify the definition of tipped employee and relieve reporting burdens that harm the restaurant industry.

Congressman Womack said, “Hardworking restaurant owners and employees have a lot on their plate running a business and serving people. This bill makes their lives easier by preserving the hard-earned tipped wage for workers and creating a stable compliance environment for operators. I’m proud to support restaurants in Arkansas’ Third and across America—their work drives our economy, provides jobs, and serves our communities.”

Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs of the National Restaurant Association said, “Tipped workers and restaurant owners should have the confidence that the definition of their job cannot change as often as the Administration changes in Washington. Tipped servers and bartenders are professionals, who have chosen to build restaurant careers because their skills and knowledge mean high earning potential in a job that’s flexible to their needs. The current system of tipping works for them. We appreciate Rep. Womack championing tipped income workers and his ongoing support of restaurant owners and operators.”

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The legislation:

• Amends the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) definition of a tipped employee to create a more explicit definition of the term by removing interpretive language (customarily and regularly), providing additional clarity and simplicity in categorizing individuals as tipped employees.

• Restricts the ability of judges or bureaucrats to set arbitrary limits or requirements in classifying the hours or duties that a tipped employee performs. 

• Preserves the tipped wage and the protection in the FLSA for tipped employees to receive at least the minimum wage between the addition of an employer-paid cash wage of $2.13 and tips—and in many cases much more. If an individual’s tips do not reach the applicable minimum wage under that formula, the employer would still be required to pay any difference. 

• Retains the ability of states under the FLSA to set wages higher than the federal statutory minimum, meaning that any state could continue to independently set the wage.

USDA announces $10 billion for farmers amidst economic hardship, uncertainty

By Sarah Cato
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK – As farmers face high input costs, low commodity prices and a postponed farm bill, the USDA is issuing up to $10 billion in direct economic assistance to agricultural producers.

PRODUCERS STRUGGLING – With low commodity prices and high input costs, Scott Stiles said the recent funding issued by the USDA is much needed assistance for Arkansas producers. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

The Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025, will provide payments to growers based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. Major Arkansas row crops that qualify include corn, soybeans, cotton, rice, peanuts and wheat.

“This assistance is greatly appreciated by growers and no doubt, they need all the help they can get,” said Scott Stiles, an extension economics program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “The last few years have resulted in the most difficult economic situation that we’ve seen in the state since the mid-1980’s.

“In the background, we have now reached the third year without an updated farm bill,” Stiles said. “Arguably, you could say we’ve been operating under the same farm program provisions for the past 10 years. Persistently high input costs and a deep correction in commodity prices has producers in the state struggling. This is evidenced by the sheer number of operations that have gone out of business in the past two years.”

In order to streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP funding, USDA’s Farm Service Agency will begin sending out pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities soon after the signup period opens on March 19. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply, but can visit the FSA website. Stiles provides more information on eligibility, payment amounts and the application process in his most recent blog post.

“The assistance from ECAP will help, but a much improved and modernized farm policy safety net is needed for producers,” Stiles said. “Hopefully we will see some progress on that front in 2025.”

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.

Arkansas Delegation to European Commission: Fix Unworkable Deforestation Rules

Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), and Congressmen Rick Crawford (Arkansas-01), French Hill (Arkansas-02), Steve Womack (Arkansas-03), and Bruce Westerman (Arkansas-04) today sent a letter to the European Union raising major concerns with the proposed European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This impractical regulation will impose an unfair and unnecessary burden on American businesses while failing to effectively combat deforestation.

In part, the lawmakers wrote: 

“This regulation is unworkable for the forest products industry in the United States and would jeopardize more than $3.5 billion worth of paper and wood products shipping into the EU market for essential products like timber or pulp for baby diapers.”

Full text of the letter may be found here and below. 

March 14, 2025

Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity

Jessica Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment

Marcos Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security 

Dear Commissioners,

We write to you today to share our significant concerns with the European Union deforestation-free supply chains regulation (Regulation (EU) No 2023/1115) and to share our perspective on the impact this will have on the more than 900,000 forest products workers throughout the United States and the over 23,000 men and women in Arkansas who are employed by this industry.  This regulation is unworkable for the forest products industry in the United States and would jeopardize more than $3.5 billion worth of paper and wood products shipping into the EU market for essential products like timber or pulp for baby diapers. 

The U.S. Forest products industry is a strong proponent of international efforts to suppress deforestation and forest degradation. As such, the United States has excellent ratings in this regard and no evidence of deforestation. Unfortunately, as written, this regulation presents severe compliance challenges that constitute technical barriers to trade for the U.S. Forest products industry. The United States is not a source of the EU’s deforestation concerns and the burden this regulation puts on U.S. pulp, paper, and packaging manufacturers will not achieve the EU’s stated policy goal. Furthermore, the U.S. is widely recognized for its sustainable forestry practices, with negligible deforestation risk, as confirmed by the EU Observatory on deforestation and forest degradation.

The unprecedented and over-prescriptive reporting requirements of the regulation are a one-size-fits-all approach that does not recognize commodity-specific challenges or country differences. The U.S. Forest products sector operates with deep visibility into their supply chains, with clear management rules and strict controls of forestry practices. These practices and performance measures not only deliver the intended goals of EUDR but go beyond the narrow objectives of regulation.

We are asking you and the European Commission to work with the United States to ensure the United States is recognized as the lowest possible risk for deforestation and to ensure the geolocation traceability requirements in place are proportional to the level of risk for a particular country. These obligations should be simplified, more proportional and with greater distinction among the risk categories. The geospatial coordinate mapping requirement for every individual plot of land should be removed for supply chains that have already achieved deforestation risk status as low risk, negligible, or insignificant. Secondary materials should be exempt from geolocation because traceability is virtually impossible. Unless these key problems are addressed, I am extremely concerned that the EU may lose their trading relationship with the U.S. Forest products industry, which they rely upon every day. 

We also believe the EUDR fits within President Trump’s “America First Trade Policy” executive order that was signed on January 20th, 2025, and requires key members of his cabinet to identify examples around the world where the United States is being disadvantaged by policies in place from governments that could be considered a technical barrier to trade and submit reports to President Trump by April 1st, 2025. Already, key members of the President’s cabinet, like Mr. Howard Lutnick, the Secretary of Commerce, have identified the EUDR as a potential technical barrier to trade and it will be more important than ever that you and your team address the concerns we have identified here. 

We look forward to your response. 

Sincerely,

Arkansas Timber and Forestry Products Image - Arkansas Inc

Boozman, Kaine, Hassan, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Hiring of Military Spouses

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the Military Spouse Hiring Act, legislation that would amend the U.S. tax code to create incentives for businesses to hire military spouses.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act would expand the existing Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program – which provides tax credits to employers who hire people facing unique barriers to employment – to include military spouses. Military spouses experience rates of unemployment and underemployment higher than the national average, and frequent moves often stall military spouses’ upward career progression and force them to find new jobs.

“Spouses of servicemembers play an integral part in the support system that bolsters America’s military,” said Boozman. “Part of their sacrifice includes factors, like relocation, that can make it difficult to access meaningful career opportunities. This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense effort that will encourage employers to hire military spouses and benefit from their unique skills and experiences.”

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“Our servicemembers and their families make sacrifices day in and day out to protect us and our national security,” said Kaine. “We owe military families a debt of gratitude and support—including when it comes to juggling frequent moves with building their careers. By incentivizing the hiring of military spouses, the Military Spouse Hiring Act will help bring down the obstacles that America’s talented military spouses too often face when seeking work opportunities, and reduce financial instability among military families that can cause servicemembers to leave even if they want to continue serving. I am proud to be introducing this commonsense bill alongside colleagues from both parties.”

“Military families make tremendous sacrifices to help keep our country safe, secure, and free. The often-frequent relocations required of military families can make it harder for military family members to find jobs,” said Hassan. “This bipartisan bill incentivizes companies to hire military spouses – helping them get jobs – and is a crucial way that we can continue to support our service members and their families.”

“Our service members and their families are willing to sacrifice so much for our country,” said Rounds. “One of these sacrifices includes moving from one assignment to the next, which can make it difficult for military spouses to secure a job and for employers to hire them. We owe it to our service members and their families to remove obstacles hindering their financial well-being. I’m pleased to reintroduce this legislation, which would expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include military spouses to help remove one barrier, giving our military families the opportunities they deserve.”

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Tom Cotton (R-AR).

The Military Spouse Hiring Act is supported by the Air & Space Forces Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, Chief Warrant Officers Association of the U.S. Coast Guard, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Fleet Reserve Association, Jewish War Veterans, Marine Corps League, Military Chaplains Association, Military Family Advisory Network, Military Officers Association of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Spouse Advocacy Network, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association, National Military Spouse Network, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Reserve Organization of America, Service Women’s Action Network, The American Legion, The Retired Enlisted Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, United States Army Warrant Officers Association, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Wounded Warrior Project.

“Employing military spouses is a strategic issue with direct ties to force readiness and the retention of experienced warfighters. And in 2025, having two household incomes is a baseline requirement. This bill eases an employer's path to hiring from this talented pool of dedicated workers to invest in both military families and the viability of the all-volunteer force,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret.), President and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). “MOAA wants to thank Sens. Kaine, Boozman, Hassan and Rounds and Reps. Beyer, Kelly, Panetta and Carter for their ongoing work to support military spouses and families.”

“Hiring a military spouse isn’t just good for a business, it’s good for America,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. “Expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include military spouses incentivizes businesses to employ military spouses, a highly qualified talent pool. It also supports military family financial security—ensuring our military is always ready. We’re grateful to Senators Boozman and Kaine and Representatives Kelly and Beyer for introducing this important legislation.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), John Carter (R-TX-31) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19).

Full text of the legislation is availablehere. A summary of the legislation is availablehere.

Attorney General Griffin Wins Challenge to Biden Administration Rule that Gave Biological Males Access to Female Locker Rooms and Bathrooms

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement after a federal court dismissed the Biden administration’s appeal of an injunction won by Griffin and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey:

“This lawsuit challenged a Biden administration rule that rewrote Title IX to give biological males access to women’s and girls’ locker rooms, bathrooms, and other areas that had previously been restricted based on biological sex. The vast majority of Americans disagree with Biden on this issue, believing instead that the safety of girls and women is paramount, and they should not be forced to share bathrooms and locker rooms with biological males.

“The recent order from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit dismisses the appeal by our opponents and preserves the preliminary injunction we won last July. I am grateful to the Trump administration for agreeing to dismiss the appeal, and for their broader commitment to restore common sense in how we approach this issue.”

To read a copy of the order, click here.

F-35 pilot training center cost rises to $1.2 billion, impact up to $1.4 billion

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Despite global rumblings about NATO allies and other foreign nations being concerned about using the F-35 fighter, retired Air Force Col. Rob Ator said Tuesday (March 18) the F-35 pilot training center in Fort Smith will have a long and important mission that has the attention of the White House.

Ator, who is now the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Arkansas, was the military affairs liaison for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission when Ebbing Air National Guard Base at the Fort Smith Regional Airport was selected for the new training center.

Ebbing, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

F-35 pilot training center cost rises to $1.2 billion, impact up to $1.4 billion

Col. Nicholas “Matrix” Ihde, commander of the 85th Fighter Group, talks to the Fort Smith Regional Airport Commission Tuesday (March 18) about progress on the foreign pilot training center at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

UAMS Doctor Receives VA Merit Award to Address Overprescribing of Thyroid Medication

By David Robinson

UAMS’ Spyridoula Maraka, M.D., has been awarded a Veterans Affairs (VA) Merit Award of $830,000 over four years to address the widespread overprescribing of levothyroxine (LT4), one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States.

LT4 is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid produces too few hormones. However, many patients are prescribed LT4 based solely on a single abnormal test, even when thyroid function is normal, Maraka said, which can lead to unnecessary treatment and financial burden, disruptive lifestyle changes, cardiovascular risks and even death.

About 20 million people in the United States receive LT4. Among those starting LT4, about 31% have normal thyroid function, meaning LT4 should not have been prescribed, according to a 2021 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine that Maraka co-authored.

UAMS Doctor Receives VA Merit Award to Address Overprescribing of Thyroid Medication

UAMS’ Spyridoula Maraka, M.D., will implement strategies that she hopes will reduce overprescribing of the common thyroid medication levothyroxine (LT4).

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee considers Womack’s protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act

Washington, DC—March 11, 2025…Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health considered Congressman Steve Womack’s (AR-3) bill, H.R. 1107, the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025. At the hearing, Congressman Womack spoke about the importance of the legislation and urged swift passage.

Watch Congressman Womack’s Remarks

Remarks as prepared:

“Chairwoman Miller-Meeks, Ranking Member Brownley, and distinguished members of the subcommittee, thank you for considering my bill, H.R. 1107, the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025. I also want to express my sincere gratitude for allowing me to speak in support of this legislation today.

“This bill aims to guarantee that our nation’s veterans—whether in bustling cities or remote rural areas—have continuous access to the healthcare services they need and deserve.

“The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, enacted in 2008, was designed to regulate the prescription of controlled substances via telemedicine in response to the rise of online pharmacies and the risk of misuse. While this law plays a crucial role in protecting public health, it has not been updated to reflect the realities of 2025. Nor does it account for the fundamental differences between the VA and civilian online pharmacies.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ryan Haight Act’s in-person consultation requirement for prescribing controlled substances was temporarily waived. The DEA and HHS later extended these flexibilities through the end of this year.

“My bill, the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025, would make this exemption permanent for the VA allowing VA healthcare professionals to prescribe medically necessary controlled substances via telemedicine under specific conditions.

“This exemption has been a lifeline for our veterans. Without it, many will face severe restrictions in accessing vital healthcare.

“For veterans in urban areas, letting this exemption expire would mean longer wait times for in-person appointments, further straining an already overburdened VA healthcare system. The impact is even greater for veterans in rural communities, where geographic isolation and limited healthcare providers create significant barriers. The exemption has allowed them to receive care from VA specialists hundreds of miles away, without the burden of costly and time-consuming travel.

“Continuing this exemption isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a necessity. It ensures that every veteran, no matter where they live, has equal access to the care they have earned and deserve.

“I’m honored to speak in support of this legislation today. I urge my colleagues to act swiftly in passing this bill. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country—it’s our duty to ensure they receive the care they need in a way that meets the demands of today’s world.”

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’ Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

Cotton, Colleagues: Get spies out of our national labs

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Guarding American Technology from Exploitation (GATE) Act, legislation that would ban foreign scientists from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba from visiting or working in Department of Energy National Laboratories without a waiver granted by the Department of Energy and the intelligence community.

Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) are cosponsoring the legislation. 

“Scientists from our adversaries like Russia and China should be nowhere near our national laboratories. Foreign nationals in our country’s most sensitive labs pose a clear threat to our national security and should end immediately,” said Senator Cotton. 

“For too long, our national labs have been exploited by foreign adversaries. The Chinese Communist Party and other hostile regimes have systematically targeted these labs, luring away top scientists and using American research to fuel their military ambitions. Senator Cotton’s GATE Act is a necessary step to shut the door on this national security threat and ensure our most sensitive technology stays in the right hands," said Senator Lee.

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“Our foreign adversaries should not have unregulated access to the cutting-edge research at our national laboratories,” said Senator Barrasso. “The groundbreaking work at our labs must be safeguarded. We cannot allow foreign nationals to take advantage of and use our taxpayer-funded research against us. Our bill will protect our critical information and identify security threats to prevent harm to the U.S., our allies, or our interests.”

“Sensitive research conducted at Department of Energy National Laboratories is vital to America’s national security and economic development. Allowing foreign scientists from adversarial nations access to this information poses a serious risk of espionage, sabotage, or theft – actions they may be pressured to undertake by the governments of their home nations,” said Senator Collins. “This legislation is a necessary step to prevent our adversaries from gaining unchecked access to critical taxpayer-funded research.”

Full text of the bill may be found here. 

Background:

• In FY2023, 40,000 foreign scientists visited our national labs and approximately 8,000 of those were Chinese or Russian. That means that 1 out of every 5 scientists visiting our labs are from our most dangerous foreign adversaries. We are not talking about individuals with green cards or dual citizenship. These are simply foreign scientists.

• The CCP forces scientists to report this information back to the Chinese government. 

• This legislation passed out of SSCI last Congress by a vote of 17-0 but was blocked by Democrats from being included in the NDAA

Boozman, Hirono, Tuberville, Gallego introduce legislation protecting defrauded veterans

WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and fellow Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee members Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced bipartisan legislation that permits the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to remove burdensome red tape that can cause bureaucratic delays when reimbursing benefits to veterans who are victims of fraud.  

The Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act would expedite benefits access for defrauded former servicemembers by waiving the requirement that the VBA completes a full internal negligence investigation and determination before restoration can occur.

VBA - Veterans Affairs

“Disabled veterans who are victims of benefit fraud should not have to endure bureaucratic delays in order to receive reimbursement,” said Boozman. “Ensuring the VA has established protocols to reinstate the hard-earned benefits of those who have served is not only commonsense, but a critical part of strengthening the services veterans deserve, expect and rely on.”

“Our veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and if they are defrauded of the benefits they have earned, they should not have to deal with unnecessary hurdles in order to be made financially whole again,” said Hirono. “Due to the oversight in the VBA fiduciary program, some veterans are dying before they ever receive their reimbursements—that is unacceptable. That is why I am glad to join my colleagues in this bipartisan, bicameral push to support defrauded veterans and help ensure they get the benefits they deserve in a timely fashion.”

“We’d like to believe we live in a country where no one would take advantage of our veterans, but sadly it does happen,” said Tuberville. “This bill attempts to help right that wrong by ensuring veterans with disabilities are made financially whole if they are defrauded of their benefits. It’s my priority to find ways to make the government work better for our veterans, and this bill is a small step toward doing just that.”

“It’s unacceptable that the veterans who put their lives on the line for this country could be defrauded out of the benefits they earned. To make matters worse, right now, defrauded veterans often have to wait years before they get their money back. We owe it to them to cut the red tape and make sure they’re repaid quickly without having to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops,” said Gallego.

In a July 2021 report, the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) highlighted the significant wait times defrauded veterans in the VA fiduciary program face due to the universal negligence determination requirement. The Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act will right this wrong by allowing the VBA to conduct a statistically valid analysis of the misuse cases to determine the rate and nature of negligence on the part of the VBA. The negligence determination would ultimately become part of a quality assurance measure without delaying reimbursement to affected veterans.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives by Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06). 

The full text of the legislation is available here.

Cotton, Banks: States should fight true child abuse, not punish parents for rejecting sex changes for minors

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Jim Banks (R-Indiana) today reintroduced legislation to stop state governments from discriminating against parents who oppose “gender transitions” for children. The Guaranteeing Unalienable and Anatomical Rights for Dependents (GUARD) Act would make a state government ineligible for Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) funds if that state discriminates against a parent or guardian in custody disputes for opposing medical treatment, clothing changes, or social changes related to a child’s subjective “gender identity.”

Child Abuse - Rawpixel Image

“If you don’t let your kid ‘transition’ to the opposite sex, certain state governments will help remove them from your custody. It sounds like dystopian science fiction, but it’s happening in the United States of America. Our bill would take funding away from states that abuse their power by taking away parents’ rights simply for opposing radical gender experiments,” said Senator Cotton.

"The government has no business punishing parents for protecting their kids from radical gender ideology. My bill ensures that states respecting parental rights aren’t strong-armed into embracing dangerous social experiments," said Senator Banks.

This legislation is supported by the American Principles Project, Family Policy Alliance, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, and Heritage Action.

Full text of the bill may be found here.

The GUARD Act would:

• Make any state government ineligible for Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) funds if they discriminate in child custody disputes, child services, or cases against a parent or guardian based on their opposition to medical, surgical, pharmacological, psychological treatment, or clothing and social changes related to affirming the subjective claims of so-called “gender identity” expressed by any minor, if such claimed identity is at odds with the minor’s biological sex.

• Create a private right of action for individuals to sue if they were subject to the prohibited discrimination. If a suit is successful, CAPTA funds granted to the state are required to be returned to the Treasury. 

Background:

• Left-leaning states such as California, Oregon, and Washington have been removing children from their non-affirming parents’ care for years. This violates the religious freedom, conscience, and medical rights of parents.

• In the case of Abby Martinez, her daughter was removed from her care. She ultimately committed suicide.

Boozman Honored for Support of Boys & Girls Club

Arkansas Senator, a Club Alumnus, Earns Champion for Youth Award and Celebrates Organization’s Impact

WASHINGTON—The Boys & Girls Club of America has recognized U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) as a recipient of its 2025 Champion of Youth Award for his work advocating legislation to combat childhood hunger and championing programs that provide meals to eligible American children at no cost to kids or their families.

Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs CEO Beth Presley presents Sen. John Boozman with the Boys & Girls Club of America 2025 Champion of Youth Award.

There are 5,400 Clubs across the nation, offering a second home to over 400,000 American children each day. Boozman, a product of the Jeffrey’s Boys Club in Fort Smith, reflected on its lasting impact through community involvement, nurturing good habits and friendships, and the opportunity to be connected to mentors.  

“As a former participant myself, I know firsthand how the organization can positively change lives by providing a safe, supportive and fun environment for kids and teens to grow and reach their full potential,” said Boozman. “The Boys & Girls Club also plays an important role in providing access to nutritious meals for children during the summer months, an initiative I have championed, and we are grateful for its partnership to address food insecurity. Being recognized for supporting its mission is truly a full-circle moment and an honor I deeply appreciate.”

Beth Presley, Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs CEO, alongside other Arkansan participants and leaders representing clubs in Fort Smith, Van Buren, El Dorado and statewide leadership, presented the award to Boozman at the organization’s 11th annual National Days of Advocacy event on Capitol Hill.

Sen. Boozman with Arkansas Boys & Girls Club leaders upon receiving the 2025 Champion of Youth Award.

“It was an incredible honor to present Senator John Boozman with the Boys & Girls Club Champion of Youth Award. As a distinguished alumnus of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club, Senator Boozman has never forgotten the impact of the Club on his own life, and he continues to be a tireless advocate for young people across Arkansas and the nation. His dedication to ensuring that all children have access to the opportunities, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed is truly inspiring. We are grateful for his unwavering support and proud to recognize him for his lifelong commitment to empowering the next generation,” said Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs CEO Beth Presley.

“As an alumnus of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs Club, Senator Boozman is a testament to the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs. Since entering public office, Senator Boozman has remained a strong supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs in Arkansas and the youth they serve. We are especially grateful for his work to prevent childhood hunger which has enabled Clubs in Arkansas and around the country to provide more meals and snacks to youth at no charge to their families. It is an honor to provide Senator Boozman with our 2025 Champion of Youth Award,” said Senior Vice President of Government Relations for Boys & Girls Clubs of America Missy Dugan.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, Boozman has long advocated for increasing access to school and summer feeding programs. In recent years, Boozman successfully led passage of legislation modernizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) summer meals program and permanently allowing states flexibilities to reach more food-insecure children when school is out.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman on SOTU, tariffs, federal park layoffs

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, said he heard good things for Arkansas in the president’s address to the nation last week and he’s hopeful that federal layoffs and tariffs can avoid significant harm to the Arkansas economy.

In an interview with Talk Business & Politics, Westerman said the priorities President Donald Trump laid out in his State of the Union speech to Congress will help several industries that are thriving or launching in the Natural State.

“Trump talked about several issues that I think hit home in Arkansas. He talked about more domestic steel production, and Arkansas is now, I believe, leading the country in steel production. That’s not in my district, but it’s in Arkansas, and that makes us all proud. He talked about more domestic lumber production. That’s definitely in my district,” said Westerman.

US Rep. Bruce Westerman on SOTU, tariffs, federal park layoffs

Representative French Hill on Bloomberg Surveillance

REP. HILL ON BLOOMBERG SURVEILLANCE: WHEN YOU MANDATE THIS KIND OF A PRICE CAP, YOU ARE GOING TO DENY DEPOSIT SERVICES AND OVERDRAFT PRIVILEGE SERVICES TO MILLIONS OF LOW-INCOME AMERICAN FAMILIES

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) joined Bloomberg Surveillance to discuss President Trump's work to make America competitive again, his Overdraft CRA, and more.

To watch the full interview, please visit HERE.

Topline Quotes:

• "When you mandate this kind of a price cap, you are going to deny deposit services and overdraft privilege services to millions of low-income American families – that is why the CFPB rule is wrong. I want the competition to handle that as it is today."

• "Every customer I had at my company in the Mississippi Delta was a smart consumer of how to balance their capital and income needs for their family every month, and what Rohit Chopra does is take that privilege away from millions of people."

• "The President is focused on bringing broad manufacturing back to the United States, and I think the United States is the single best location for foreign direct investment in the world... Europe is not surging, Europe is slumping, and I am glad to see that actions taken by the U.S. are encouraging, maybe, a change economically and militarily in Europe."