Episode 12: Week of Dec. 3, 2023

Welcome to "Arkies in the Beltway!" I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazaette, and here's your look at national politics through an Arkansas lens for the week of Dec. 3, 2023.

The U.S. House of Representatives ended last week with a historic vote to expel New York Republican George Santos from the chamber.

The House had only removed five members from the chamber throughout its history ahead of Friday's vote.

Two Arkansans — Representatives Steve Womack of Rogers and Bruce Westerman and Hot Springs — supported the expulsion resolution.

STORY: Steve Womack, Bruce Westerman vote for removing George Santos from U.S. House

Speaking of Womack, he is among the lawmakers pushing for creating a commission to study the United States' financial stability and fiscal sustainability.

Womack testified before the House Budget Committee last Wednesday on proposed options for addressing federal spending and the national deficit.

STORY: Arkansas’ U.S. Rep. Womack calls for commission to study federal finances

The House Natural Resources Committee is making progress on a bipartisan outdoor reaction package.

Committee members began consideration of the EXPLORE Act last Thursday.

Westerman helped introduce the legislation. The Hot Springs Republican additionally serves as the committee's chairman.

STORY: Westerman-led committee begins work on bipartisan outdoor recreation package

Finally, the Democrat-Gazette had a conversation with Womack regarding his recent trip to Antarctica.

Womack led a congressional delegation on the week-long outing to better understand the research happening on the southernmost continent.

Check out Monday's edition of the Democrat-Gazette for the full story.

Thank you for supporting "Arkies in the Beltway!" Stay up to date with all Arkansas news at arkansasonline.com. You can get in touch with me on social media; my handle on all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas