Bruce’s Take:

There are 435 members in the House of Representatives, and each one of us is immensely proud of our districts. The people we serve and our local communities are truly the heart of our nation. Their stories, struggles, and successes are the motivation behind why we do what we do as Members of Congress, and it’s a privilege to advocate for the betterment not only of the individual but also for the infrastructure and communities that support them.

Within the last week, the House was able to successfully pass all twelve appropriations bills under a committee-led, member-driven approach. Included was the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill which provided the opportunity to secure funding for specific public projects with a federal nexus.

Once there is an agreed upon overall THUD budget cap each year, the question then focuses on how the funds are distributed across the country. This unique mechanism in the appropriations process allows elected members – not DC bureaucrats – to decide exactly where some of this money should go. After all, shouldn’t that input come from those who best understand the needs of our local communities and are accountable to our constituents in those communities? 

Through this distribution process, it was a privilege to secure several wins for the Fourth District that focus on different projects which have now been signed into law by the President.

In the THUD bill, $7 million was allotted for the Highway 82 Railroad Overpass to realign a portion of the highway and construct a five-lane grade separation with the Union Pacific Railroad. This will ultimately increase safety for travelers and provide a five-lane structure in preparation for future widening of the Highway 82 corridor. This project ensures the increased safety, mobility, enhanced economic opportunities, and improved reliability of the regional transportation system.

Additionally, my contribution to the THUD legislation included $11 million for the Texarkana Regional Airport Taxiway-Taxilane construction rehabilitation.  This project would improve the primary taxiway at Texarkana Regional Airport to allow for larger and heavier aircraft to operate at the airport and support economic development of the local community and the surrounding region.

Lastly, it was a great privilege to secure roughly $9.2 million for the iconic Army Navy General Hospital for critical upgrades to the property and structure. Ultimately, the demolition, remediation, and stabilization of the property are necessary to mitigate fire risks, secure the site, and remove hazards to public safety. After years of inoccupancy, the property has become a major fire risk, target for vandalism, and threat to the thermal springs which are so beloved by the Hot Springs community.

As a sitting member on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it is an advantage to have a firsthand understanding of the important role our state’s infrastructure plays in the safety of our communities – especially for our more rural areas. Runways, roadways and bridges connect rural folks with the vital services they need while increasing access to global markets for our local farmers and manufacturers. Together, they work hand-in-hand to foster the security of its residents and the growth of our local economies. It remains a privilege to work on behalf of communities across the Fourth District to secure wins that ultimately invest in the future of our great state.

A Big Week for Critical Minerals :

Economic security is national security. Relying on adversarial nations like China for the critical minerals that are essential to moving our economy forward leaves us incredibly vulnerable. With an abundance of natural resources in our own back yard, we should never settle for allowing China to be a leading contributor to our supply chain – keeping us shackled to the whims and wishes of their willingness to supply us with needed resources. The bottom line here is: we cannot beat China if we remain reliant on China. President Trump understands that securing our own domestic supply chain for cars, tech, and defense industries is vital for our national security.

That’s why I was proud to join President Trump in the Oval Office this week as he announced that the United States will be launching the U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve. This project will work toward unleashing American critical mineral dominance and safeguarding national security by investing in the resources we have right here at home – from the Ambler Road in Alaska to the lithium Smackover formation crossing through the Fourth District of Arkansas.

A Big Week for Critical Minerals :

Economic security is national security. Relying on adversarial nations like China for the critical minerals that are essential to moving our economy forward leaves us incredibly vulnerable. With an abundance of natural resources in our own back yard, we should never settle for allowing China to be a leading contributor to our supply chain – keeping us shackled to the whims and wishes of their willingness to supply us with needed resources. The bottom line here is: we cannot beat China if we remain reliant on China. President Trump understands that securing our own domestic supply chain for cars, tech, and defense industries is vital for our national security.

That’s why I was proud to join President Trump in the Oval Office this week as he announced that the United States will be launching the U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve. This project will work toward unleashing American critical mineral dominance and safeguarding national security by investing in the resources we have right here at home – from the Ambler Road in Alaska to the lithium Smackover formation crossing through the Fourth District of Arkansas.

Arkansas Prayer Breakfast :

Every year, the Arkansas delegation comes together for our annual Arkansas Prayer Breakfast. It is a special time that always leaves me feeling encouraged and refreshed, grounding me again in the foundation that guides my life and my work. This year was especially meaningful as fellow Arkansans gathered to lay hands over us in prayer, asking for wisdom, humility, and guidance. Moments like these are a powerful reminder that God leads each decision and every step, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pause, pray, and serve with renewed purpose.

Meeting With Arkansans :

It was great getting to meet with Arkansans who visited my Washington DC office this week. Hearing the direct concerns my constituents face in the Fourth District is the driving purpose of my service in Congress. Whether it was a night tour or a policy-focused conversation, these folks care deeply about the real issues that matter for real Arkansans.

The highlight of my meetings this week was undoubtedly the opportunity to virtually visit with Ms. Culver’s 11th grade civics class from Ozark High School. Getting to discuss the legislative process with them first hand was such a special experience and I was grateful to hear each of their earnest questions as they work to pull back the curtain on how our government operates. I am consistently impressed by our students, and find great optimism and encouragement in the potential they show to lead our state into a brighter future. 

Night Tour :

Our nation’s Capitol building is steeped in rich history – walking its halls can stir up a deep sense of pride in our country and those who came before us. Many of our founding fathers legislated here and each room and hall have a unique story to tell. As a Member of Congress, I have the opportunity to take constituents on an after-hours tour of the Capitol when legislative business of the day has concluded and visiting hours have ended. Walking through the Capitol alongside friends and family of the Fourth District of Arkansas is such an honor, and this week, I had the privilege of conducting a night tour with several visiting Arkansans who were here to join countless others for the National Prayer Breakfast.

Apply for a Summer Internship! :

Congressional internships are an excellent opportunity for students to gain a front-row view of the legislative affairs of Congress. Through countless learning opportunities and impactful assistance to the legislative efforts of my office, there is truly no better way to learn more about our nation’s governing process. I encourage all young people interested in our nation’s government to apply for an internship in my Washington, DC office.
Applications are open now for Summer 2026 internships, which you can find here.

Tax Season is Here! :

Tax season is here, and the Internal Revenue Service encourages all taxpayers to prepare well and be aware of all significant changes before filing this year’s taxes. For a full, up-to-date recap of what you need to know when filing your 2025 tax returns, visit the Tax Time Guide located on the IRS website.

Note that it is important to wait until you have received all of your tax documents before filing as it could cause delays.

If you’re planning to file your own taxes, here are a few options:

• IRS Free File, available through IRS.gov, offers eligible taxpayers brand-name tax preparation software packages to use at no cost. Some of the Free File packages also offer free state tax return preparation. The software does all the work of finding deductions, credits, and exemptions.

• Free File Fillable Forms can be used by taxpayers who are comfortable preparing their own taxes either by mail or online.

• Direct File is an option for taxpayers to file federal tax returns online—for free—directly and securely with the IRS. Direct File is a filing option for taxpayers in participating states who have relatively simple tax returns and report only certain types of income and claim certain credits and deductions. Learn more at the link here: IRS Direct File.

• MilTax is a free tax resource available to the military community, offered through the Department of Defense. MilTax includes tax preparation and electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants, and current information about filing taxes. It is designed to address the realities of military life—including deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals, and multi-state filings. Learn more at the link here: MilTax.

• VITA and TCE. The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. To locate the nearest VITA or TCE site, use the VITA Locator Toolor call 800-906-9887.

Weekly Floor Wrap Up :