In 2025, Forbes ranked The Natural State as the third-best state in the nation to start a business. This prized positioning comes after years of hard work to foster an environment that prioritizes, supports and strengthens homegrown businesses and industries. Small businesses underpin America’s economy. In Arkansas, nearly 300,000 small businesses employ our families, friends and neighbors while an estimated 30 million businesses do the same nationwide. It has long been a source of pride to support our local retailers — from stopping by Main Street on Small Business Saturday in search of the p
Press Releases
Latest releases from tracked officials · 5,464 total
WASHINGTON—Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) held a hearing examining the Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for military infrastructure and family housing. The following is Chairman Boozman’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery: Good morning. The subcommittee will come to order. We meet today to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for military construction and family housing for the Department of Defense. I would like to begin by recognizing today’s panel. Today
On April 25, Arkansans once again took part in Drug Take Back Day, joining Americans across the country in a shared effort to safely collect and dispose of unused and expired prescription medications. These events continue to provide an important avenue to keep them out of the wrong hands and reduce the risk of misuse in our communities. Arkansas has long been a strong participant in this initiative. Since 2010, Arkansans have turned in approximately 367 tons of unused prescription drugs through Take Back programs. In addition to the twice-yearly Take Back Days, there are more than 300 permane
U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) questioned officials with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on the impact of investments in biomedical, cancer and drug abuse research at a hearing examining the president's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. Boozman touted the critical role the IDeA program has played in states like Arkansas that have historically received a smaller share of federal biomedical research funding yet face some of the nation’s highest rates of chronic disease and adverse health outcomes. The senator also cited the rising incidence of cancer among younger adults who would other
Senators Seek Medicare Reimbursement Eligibility for Hospital Radiologist Assistant-Performed Medical Imaging...
As we prepare young people for the future, a good education is critical. But, in 2026, a good education can mean a lot more than taking the right math classes or learning a foreign language. More and more school districts in The Natural State are investing in efforts to not just educate students’ minds but also give them real-life skills that open doors to meaningful careers. I’ve been fortunate to visit several of these efforts throughout Arkansas, including recently with a firsthand look at the Lonoke Business Academy. This innovative program combines the resources of the Lonoke School Dist
Sen. Boozman accepts the Arkansas Optometric Association Lifetime of Excellence Award. (Photo by Michael Pirnique) WASHINGTON—The Arkansas Optometric Association (ArOA) presented U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with its Lifetime of Excellence Award in recognition of his distinguished career in optometry, public service and advocacy for patient access to vision care. “It is an honor to be recognized by my fellow optometrists dedicated to improving eye health and ensuring optometry remains a viable and rewarding profession,” said Boozman. “Serving families in Arkansas over many years was a pri
Memorial Day is a special time to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service to our nation. Throughout our history, over one million American servicemembers have perished fighting for our freedoms and values. Their immense selflessness and bravery represent a debt that can never be fully repaid. Thousands of Arkansans have rendered noble service in conflicts ranging from peacekeeping missions to World Wars — many paying the ultimate price alongside their fellow countrymen. These acts of valor have protected generations of American
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman announced he has joined the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, a collection of lawmakers committed to sustaining the key program that provides discounts to certain nonprofit health care providers, hospitals and clinics on outpatient drugs, replacing former Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). “The 340B program is a lifeline for hospitals and clinics across Arkansas, helping vulnerable patients access prescriptions while empowering providers to put savings toward additional services and care in their communities,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join the bipartisan
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with Congressmen Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Ami Bera (D-CA), announced the launch of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus to bolster engagement and support for international exchange programs, particularly those administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). “Cultural exchange is foundational to effective diplomacy, and strengthening our nation’s investment in these initiatives will encourage greater collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships for generation
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) championed a bipartisan effort to highlight the unique challenges agricultural producers and workers face as part of Mental Health Month, introducing a Senate resolution to designate May 29, 2026, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. “On Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day, we recognize and support hardworking farmers and producers. Agriculture comes with unique challenges and pressures, many outside a producer’s control, which can take a serious toll on mental health and wellbeing,” Bo
Arkansas is blessed with remarkable natural resources — from our lakes and rivers to our forests and fertile farmland. Yet many people are less familiar with another asset beneath our feet: the rich energy-related resources that play an important role in our nation’s supply chain. The Smackover Formation, a geologic unit that runs across south Arkansas featuring immense petroleum and natural gas deposits, was the site of an oil boom during the 1920s. It proved to be among the largest oil reserves in America at the time, and local communities across Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississ
Department Tells Senator it Invested $613 Million in Arkansas Providers in 2025...
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) recently introduced the bipartisan Medication Competition Act, which would expedite the development of lower-cost alternatives to biologic medications, known as biosimilars. The legislation would require the FDA to publicly determine and list when brand-name drug exclusivity ends, allowing cheaper alternatives to come to market more quickly. Biologic drugs are a complex class […]
Bill targets four key chokepoints slowing infrastructure projects, driving up costs, and blocking American energy from reaching global markets WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) today introduced the Unlock American Energy and Jobs Act, legislation designed to streamline the federal permitting process and bring greater certainty to the approval of energy infrastructure projects. More than $1 […]
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today reintroduced their bipartisan resolution in support of the United States dollar maintaining its status as the world’s reserve currency. Additionally, the resolution affirms the need to keep the U.S. dollar at the forefront of global financial systems as the People’s Republic of China […]
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today celebrated House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Farm Bill, which includes hard-fought wins and recognitions for Georgia farmers. Included in this bill are Rep. Carter’s request for a study on the Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index (HIP-WI) program, inspired by his bill, the Farmers’ AID Relief Act, and the renaming of the U.S. National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, after the late President of the Georgia Poultry Federation, Francis “Abit” Massey. “Georgia’s agricultur
Washington D.C. (April 30, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement following the U.S. House vote on H.R. 7576 – Farm, Food, and National Security Act. “Since our nation’s founding, agriculture has played a vital role in ensuring America remains prosperous. Our farmers dedicate their lives to the grueling work it takes to keep […]
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released the following statement after voting to pass the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). "I voted with President Donald Trump and his promise to deliver a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America, funding the Department of Homeland Security. For 76 days, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff held DHS funding hostage, putting American citizens’ safety at risk. Amid conflict with Iran, the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism, a third assassination attempt o
With the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby this Saturday, the President’s decision to roll back tariffs on bourbon and whiskey is timely and welcome news.
“Republicans will continue to work to ensure that our borders are secure and that dangerous criminals are not on our streets.”...
Bill establishes clear rules of the road for event contracts while keeping the United States at the forefront of financial innovation WASHINGTON – Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today introduced the Prediction Market Act of 2026, legislation to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for prediction markets, ensuring these powerful financial tools operate with […]
In response to the devastating White Sage Fire, which burned nearly 60,000 acres in Northern Arizona, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced an amendment to expedite recovery efforts in the impacted areas. This morning, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously adopted his proposal...
Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567, the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which builds on the historic agriculture investments made in H.R. 1, often known as the Working Families Tax Cuts. After voting in support of the bill, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement: "Rural America needs a new Farm Bill now, not tomorrow. With today's passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, House Republicans have once again reaffirmed our commitment to American agriculture and delivered for hardworking growers and producers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, after a vote on the House floor Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna’s amendment, which removes provisions shielding pesticide manufacturers from liability and preserves critical public health protections, was successfully adopted into the Farm Bill, which has now passed the House and will move to the Senate. Rep. Luna’s amendment restores Americans’ right […] The post House Passes Rep. Luna’s Amendment to Remove Pesticide Liability Protections in Farm Bill appeared first on Anna Paulina Luna.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) voted to pass the Farm Bill. “Agriculture is the backbone of Indiana’s economy, driving over $31 billion and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs across the Hoosier State,” Rep. Yakym said. “In Indiana’s Second District, our farmers and ranchers grow some of the best product in the world, and […] The post Yakym Votes to Pass Farm Bill appeared first on Rudy Yakym.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Broken Bowl Catering in New Plymouth as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for April 2026. Broken Bowl Catering will be recognized for its contribution to Idaho in the Congressional Record […]
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing concern about the increasing influence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. This bipartisan resolution calls for greater focus on American economic and national security, as well as on diplomatic engagement in the region. […]
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) sent a letter to the White House to recommend two Wisconsinites for consideration to be U.S. attorney for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. The candidates, Peter Smyczek and Chadwick Elgersma, were recommended to the senators by the bipartisan Wisconsin Federal Nominating Commission that […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40) introduced the Facilitating Leadership and Expertise through Exchange and Training in Shipbuilding (FLEETS) Now Act to counter China’s unfair shipbuilding practices and rebuild America’s maritime industry. China controls over 50 percent of the global shipbuilding industry, funneling that revenue directly into the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) naval buildup. The […] The post Rep. Young Kim Leads FLEETS Now Act to Counter China’s Grip on Global Shipbuilding and Restore U.S. Maritime Dominance first appeared on Congresswoman Young Kim.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter to nine individual artificial intelligence companies citing growing concerns that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is actively targeting America’s AI sector through espionage and other security threats. The letter highlights mounting evidence that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized Amanda Ratcliff for her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit in turning life’s challenges into opportunity. Her business, Buttery Spell, features uniquely crafted products that reflect her creativity and the unmistakable flavors and culture of New Orleans. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly […]