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Arkies in the Beltway

Arkies in the Beltway

By: Alex Thomas
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Tune in each week as Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's D.C. bureau reporter Alex Thomas covers Arkansas lawmakers and legislators in the nation's capital.© 2023 Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Week of June 29, 2025
    Jun 29 2025

    This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 29, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

    Congressional Republicans hope to meet President Donald Trump's July 4 deadline for passing their sweeping tax and spending measure, but trying to reach this goal has not come without challenges.

    Senate Republicans had to revise parts of their bill after Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough struck down several provisions, including language affecting Medicaid.

    The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee — under the leadership of Arkansas Republican John Boozman — resubmitted text affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program after MacDonough rejected parts of the committee's original proposal.

    Meanwhile, congressional Democrats and advocates are pushing back against the effort, warning of the measure's possible impacts to Medicaid and SNAP.

    STORY: Arkansans head to Capitol Hill to protest SNAP, Medicaid proposals

    STORY: Senate parliamentarian OKs Boozman committee’s revised SNAP proposal

    Thank you for checking out this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on Bluesky for developments from the nation's capital!

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    8 mins
  • Week of June 22, 2025
    Jun 22 2025

    This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 22, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

    Members of the Natural State's congressional delegation have voiced support for President Donald Trump and the decision to strike three Iranian sites.

    The military action occurred more than a week into the Israel-Iran conflict.

    Republican Rep. Rick Crawford — the chair of the House Intelligence Committee — said the United States, Israel and other nations are "making it clear that the world would never accept Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon."

    Sen. Tom Cotton — a fellow Republican who leads the Senate Intelligence Committee — said he hopes Iran heeds the president's warning and reconsiders any ideas of retaliatory attacks against Americans.

    Meanwhile, the Senate parliamentarian has ruled against several provisions of Senate Republicans' tax and spending proposal, including language from the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

    Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and the committee had proposed modifications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and agriculture programs, but the Senate parliamentarian has determined some changes violate the Senate's rules on considering budgetary measures.

    STORY: Senate parliamentarian’s decision sets up roadblock for GOP’s planned SNAP changes

    Boozman, of Rogers, and two fellow Arkansans — Cotton, of Little Rock, and Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark. — continue their campaign to protect the Pine Bluff Arsenal in Jefferson County.

    Boozman and Cotton pressed defense officials about the U.S Army's organic industrial base last week in separate hearings. Westerman and Army officials toured the Pine Bluff Arsenal; the Hot Springs congressman said he hopes the tour provided insight into the installation's importance in filling white phosphorus munitions.

    STORY: Boozman, Cotton, Westerman continue push to protect Pine Bluff Arsenal

    Thank you for listening to this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on Bluesky for developments from the nation's capital!

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    11 mins
  • Week of June 15, 2025
    Jun 15 2025

    This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 15, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

    Arkansans joined demonstrators across the country Saturday to protest President Donald Trump and his administration's policies during the first months of his second White House stint.

    The No Kings rallies took place on the same day of the Army’s parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating its 250th anniversary. The parade in the nation’s capital also coincided with Trump's 79th birthday.

    On Capitol Hill, two committees in the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation last week establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets.

    The House Financial Services and Agriculture committees considered the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in separate markups last Tuesday. The legislation would clarify the roles of federal agencies in regulating digital assets and people interested in such investments.

    Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., leads the House Financial Services Committee.

    STORY: Two U.S. House committees consider new rules for digital assets

    The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee has put forward its portion of Senate Republicans' proposal advancing their policy goals.

    Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., announced the legislation last Wednesday as senators continue assembling the legislative package.

    The plan has similarities to the House's "one, big beautiful bill" and its language on nutrition assistance, although senators are pushing less strict terms in provisions regarding work requirements and a mandate for states to cover some food benefit costs.

    STORY: Boozman, U.S. Senate committee unveil reconciliation bill

    Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., is again proposing a constitutional amendment to allow Congress to pass legislation prohibiting actions desecrating the U.S. flag, such as burning the flag.

    The Supreme Court has ruled flag burning and similar acts are protected "expressive conduct" under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

    STORY: Womack pushes again for constitutional amendment targeting ‘physical desecration’ of American flag

    Thank you for listening to this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on Bluesky for developments from the nation's capital!

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    9 mins
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