Op-Ed
January 25, 2013
This week marked the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion in our country. Since the court's ruling, 55 million innocent lives have tragically been lost. To put that into perspective, there are roughly 55 million people living in the states of New York and California combined.
January 18, 2013
When I talk to small farmers and ranchers in Arkansas they consistently tell me how regulations from Washington hurt their bottom line. When I ask them which agency seems to impose the most regulations, I always get the same answer, the EPA. This week I re-introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to rein in the Environmental Protection Agency and offer some regulatory relief for farm families.
January 11, 2013
"A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." - Second Amendment, The Constitution of United States
In the days and weeks following the horrific violence at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut politicians and activists groups have called for new gun laws and restrictions for gun owners. It is unfortunate that some would try to exploit this tragedy.
In the days and weeks following the horrific violence at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut politicians and activists groups have called for new gun laws and restrictions for gun owners. It is unfortunate that some would try to exploit this tragedy.
December 28, 2012
As 2012 comes to a close, now is time to look toward 2013 and the challenges ahead. Some people make resolutions at the start of the New Year, some set goals. For my part, I see 5 key goals for the upcoming year:
December 21, 2012
Agriculture is the number one industry in Arkansas. Our congressional district is home to a great variety of agricultural interests. The Mississippi River Delta produces cotton, rice, corn, soybeans, wheat and even peanuts. In contrast to the Delta, stand the Ozark Foothills where we have poultry, cattle, dairy and timber producers. More rice is produced in our congressional district than any other district in the nation. In fact, our district is responsible for half of all rice produced in the United States.
December 14, 2012
Since the beginning of the school year I have heard from numerous teachers, coaches, and parents about new rules from the Department of Agriculture concerning nutrition standards for school lunches. The new standards drastically cut the number of calories students can consume on a daily basis. In October I hosted a Nutrition Summit in Jonesboro to shed light on the issue and to learn how the new requirements have impacted students in Arkansas and across the Nation.
December 8, 2012
These days it is hard to avoid news about the so-called "fiscal cliff." With any bit of good or bad information coming from negotiations the stock market reacts. Democratic and Republican pundits repeat well-scripted talking points about avoiding economically destructive tax increases and spending reductions that are set to kick-in at the end of the month.
November 30, 2012
America is blessed with the world's best colleges and universities. Many of the world's top scientists and engineers come to the U.S. to pursue an education at universities like our own Arkansas State. When these scholars graduate, the United States should put out a welcome mat instead of forcing them to return to their home country. Graduates of American colleges and universities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math are behind many of the innovations and business startups that can grow our economy.
November 15, 2012
Locally owned businesses help tell the uniquely American story of rural communities in our State. Many times these businesses become the cornerstones and landmarks in small towns, and are proudly passed down from one generation to the next. They represent what can be achieved when an entire family works together to provide a good or service.
November 9, 2012
Veterans are a reminder that the freedoms many Americans take for granted are not without sacrifice. Right here in Northeast Arkansas we have brave men and women who have put their lives on hold, and many times their lives on the line, so their fellow Americans can be free.