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!