Bruce’s Take :

From some of our earliest years of education, we were introduced to the words our forefathers wrote as they envisioned what the future of the United States might be. In a small room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, these words were written onto one of the most pivotal documents in history: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our founding fathers understood that every man, woman, and child has been created with rights that no man can take away; the most important being the right to life. This week, thousands of Americans gathered in our nation’s capital to celebrate that right to life during the annual March for Life. 

The days leading up to this event always provide an excellent opportunity to reflect on the work being done to advance pro-life and pro-family legislation. We must never forget the importance of crafting policies that continue to protect our most sacred and ultimate gift. It was an honor to be recognized by the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America scorecard this week as an A+ legislator who consistently advocates for these initiatives in Congress. 

Just this week, the House voted on two specific pieces of legislation aimed at supporting pregnant mothers and working families: the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act and the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act. House Republicans understand that true support of an unborn child extends to the health of the mother along with her support system, which is equally valuable for a child’s best chance at a fulfilling and healthy life.

Updates to prenatal care facilities, programs, and opportunities for pregnant women are just as pro-life as fighting to protect the lives of the unborn in their mothers’ wombs. It’s an honor to serve the Fourth District and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I will continue to advocate for our God-given right to life and always fight against abortion.

Winter Weather is Coming – Stay Aware and Prepared!

Southern portions of Arkansas are likely to be affected by this weekend’s winter storm. Now is the time to prepare and plan as you brace for below-freezing temperatures and ice!

Be sure to keep these life-saving tips and information in mind as we head into the weekend:

1. Create an emergency kit for food and supplies to last through the duration of the storm:

• Non-perishable food that does not require refrigeration or cooking.
• Drinking water.
• Prescription medications and first-aid supplies.
• Flashlights, extra batteries, power banks and phone chargers.
• Blankets, warm clothing, extra layers, hand warmers.
• Baby supplies or pet food, if needed.

2. Make sure your home and vehicle are prepared for freezing temperatures: 

• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
• Insulate or weather-strip doors and windows. Placing plastic covers over your doors or windows from the inside will also help sustain warmer indoor temperatures.
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside.
• Check to make sure your carbon monoxide monitoring devices are working. 
• Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
• Keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

3. Winter storms can often cause power outages that disrupt communications, utilities and complicate medical needs. To prepare for possible outages and stay connected to your local weather advisories:

• Keep phones and power banks fully charged.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches that are near your home.
• Have back up medications and alternative ways to charge medical devices.
• Remember to never run a generator in an enclosed space if you plan to utilize a generator as a power source.

Through the duration of the storm, be sure to check in on your friends and neighbors – especially those with medical needs, the elderly, or those who may live alone.

For more resources, visit:
Ready.gov
ARDOT Winter Weather Road Conditions
FEMA
Red Cross

Funding the Government Under Regular Order :

One of Congress’ primary functions is to act as the purse-holder for our nation’s finances. This means we have the ability to determine how our taxpayer dollars will be spent. Because of that, it is deeply important that we, as legislators, steward American’s hard-earned tax dollars to the best of our ability. And when Congress continues to kick the can down the road every year when it comes to crafting our nation’s budget, we are not doing our job to take care of what the American people have entrusted us with.

For years, Congress has relied on bloated and reckless stopgap spending bills, ultimately leaving future lawmakers to deal with a compounding fiscal issue. This week, the House has restored regular order and fiscal sanity to the federal budget process by successfully passing all twelve appropriations bills through a committee-led and member-level approach. This week is proof that House Republicans are continuing to deliver on their promises to the American people by lowering the level of discretionary spending to steward their tax dollars well and work in the way Congress was intended. I’m proud of the job my Republican colleagues have done to put the American people first and apply commonsense, conservative principles to such an integral part of the role we play as lawmakers.

Now, as the January 31 deadline looms closer, we look to the Senate to pass all remaining appropriations bills in order to get them onto the President’s desk and signed into law.

Appropriations bills passed in the House this week:

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026

Reflecting the America First agenda, the bill prioritizes transportation safety, including air traffic control infrastructure, controller hiring, and transportation safety, while maintaining essential housing assistance for our nation’s most vulnerable. Recognizing that infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth and national connectivity, the bill refocuses transportation funding to meet critical needs across the nation and build assets that support future generations.

LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES A PPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026

This bill supports President Trump’s efforts to safeguard taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse. It reprioritizes taxpayer dollars where they matter most: into lifesaving biomedical research and resilient medical supply chains, classrooms and technical programs that set Americans up for success, and rural hospitals and primary health care to support strong and healthy families.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026

This bill invests in America’s military superiority, shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense, protects from threats at America’s border, and takes care of our troops and their families.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026

The legislation enacts the resources to protect the homeland and keep American communities safe, secure, and resilient. The bill provides the necessary personnel, training, and technology to secure our air, land, and maritime borders and the nation’s critical infrastructure against nation-state adversaries.

Supporting Pro-Life Legislation :

This week, I voted to pass H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, which allows states to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy centers that protect the life of both the mother and the unborn child. This legislation will expand access to counseling, prenatal and pregnancy education, and critical resources for mothers, fathers, and families.

The House also passed H.R. 6359, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, requiring higher education institutions to clearly communicate available rights and resources for pregnant students and those who may become pregnant while enrolled. Women should never have to choose between continuing their education and carrying their babies to full term.

National Guard Night Tour :

It was a privilege to take the men and women of the Arkansas National Guard on a tour of the Capitol Wednesday night. I admire the dedication and sacrifice each of them has made while serving here in Washington, D.C. It was a wonderful evening filled with history and meaningful conversation. I always enjoy welcoming fellow Arkansans to the Capitol and highlighting the many ways Arkansas is represented throughout its art and history.

Advancing and Strengthening America’s Energy Production :

It was great to meet with Delek this week in Washington, D.C. As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am focused on advancing policies that protect and strengthen America’s energy production. Here in Arkansas, we are fortunate to have refineries that provide affordable, reliable energy for our communities. I am proud of the work being done at Delek and look forward to continuing our partnership to keep America energy dominant and ensure accessible energy for our citizens.

Working on Behalf of the Health and Well-Being of Arkansans :

The health and well-being of Arkansans is not something I take lightly. This week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Arkansas Chiropractic Association to discuss important legislation that could improve chiropractic care for our neighbors. It is encouraging to speak with people who are committed to service and who put their patients’ well-being first in the work they do.

Weekly Floor Wrap Up :