Op-Ed
April 4, 2014
Many people argue whether the term "common sense" actually has widespread application. More often than not, it seems we see more cases where "common sense" was pushed aside for something without it.
Sadly, the policies of many government agencies have this problem, too, creating headaches and frustration for U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, a little common sense could allow the federal government to operate properly and also provide much needed regulatory relief for its taxpayers.
Sadly, the policies of many government agencies have this problem, too, creating headaches and frustration for U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, a little common sense could allow the federal government to operate properly and also provide much needed regulatory relief for its taxpayers.
March 28, 2014
In recent years, the Obama Administration has attempted to limit access to affordable energy sources, such as coal and gas. As a result, Arkansas families have experienced skyrocketing energy costs at the pump and in their electricity bills.
March 21, 2014
During the seventeenth century, English jurist Sir Edward Coke wrote, "A man's house is his castle and fortress." From this quote, we've got the legal principle that no person may enter another's home without permission; making homes a safe haven for owners.
The act of home ownership echoes America's priorities of freedom and liberty, and many citizens have or aspire to have their own "castles," regardless of how big or small.
The act of home ownership echoes America's priorities of freedom and liberty, and many citizens have or aspire to have their own "castles," regardless of how big or small.
March 14, 2014
An old idiom reads, "The third time is the charm," implying that after two unsuccessful attempts, a third effort will succeed. Hopefully, the saying applies to legislation I introduced, known as the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship (FUELS) Act, which passed for a third time by a unanimous House voice vote March 11.
March 7, 2014
On March 2, a winter storm blew into our area; the likes of which some people said they've never seen. For starters, the calendar has inched ever-closer to spring; a time we reserve for outdoor sports and recreation, short-sleeve shirts, and farming operations.
This year proved much differently.
This year proved much differently.
February 21, 2014
At least once a month, congressional members go home to their districts for a week, meeting with and hearing from concerned constituents.
During my most recent "District Work Week," I received an invitation to speak at a neighborhood association meeting in Jonesboro. This particular neighborhood lies within a historic region of downtown Jonesboro, and many of the residents have expressed a desire to beautify, make safe, and preserve this area.
During my most recent "District Work Week," I received an invitation to speak at a neighborhood association meeting in Jonesboro. This particular neighborhood lies within a historic region of downtown Jonesboro, and many of the residents have expressed a desire to beautify, make safe, and preserve this area.
February 14, 2014
As the calendar pushes through February into warmer weather, it brings some exciting activities. Farmers will soon begin sowing seeds to prepare yet another bountiful harvest. Trees will sprout lively, green shoots and more people will head outdoors. Many kids and parents look forward to the crazy week known as "Spring Break." As a sports fan, I'm ready for another season of St. Louis Cardinals' baseball.
But as your representative, a few activities have really piqued my interest. They're the Congressional Competitions and Congressional Award.
But as your representative, a few activities have really piqued my interest. They're the Congressional Competitions and Congressional Award.
January 31, 2014
After three-plus years of working hands-on to craft a new Farm Bill, I'm pleased my House colleagues have joined me in securing our nation's food supply while also providing nutrition assistance to families who need it most.
I believe Congress succeeded in creating a bill that not only gives Arkansas First District agricultural producers a strong safety net but also deploys investments and jobs across this entire great state.
I believe Congress succeeded in creating a bill that not only gives Arkansas First District agricultural producers a strong safety net but also deploys investments and jobs across this entire great state.
January 24, 2014
Sometimes in our efforts to solve a problem, we create another hardship; often by refusing to correct the main issue.
Last week's $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill largely fits that description, forcing me to vote against its passage.
I certainly appreciate the bill's avoidance of another unwanted and unnecessary federal government shutdown. Nevertheless, in its attempts to expand specific programs, the bill slashes retirement benefits for our country's military veterans.
Last week's $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill largely fits that description, forcing me to vote against its passage.
I certainly appreciate the bill's avoidance of another unwanted and unnecessary federal government shutdown. Nevertheless, in its attempts to expand specific programs, the bill slashes retirement benefits for our country's military veterans.
January 17, 2014
Late last week, I joined my colleagues from Arkansas' Congressional delegation in writing a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) urging it to not expand its critical habitat designations for two target species, the Neosho Mucket and the Rabbitsfoot Mussel.