Episode 5: Week of Oct. 8, 2023

Welcome to "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Oct. 8, 2023. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

The U.S. House of Representatives had a historic week with last Tuesday's vote to oust Kevin McCarthy of California as speaker. 

Arkansas' four House members supported keeping McCarthy in the position. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, presided over the vote, and Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, spoke on the floor in defense of McCarthy's speakership.

STORY: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/oct/04/arkansas-us-house-members-stand-by-mccarthy-amid/ 

House Republicans will convene this week to discuss their options for leading the chamber. Womack has endorsed House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., as the next speaker, while the other Arkansans — Reps. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro, French Hill of Little Rock, and Westerman — have not announced their picks.

STORY: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/oct/05/arkansas-us-house-members-call-for-unity/ 

Thank you for listening to "Arkies in the Beltway!" Stay up to date with all Arkansas news at https://www.arkansasonline.com. Feel free to follow what I'm covering in Washington, D.C.; my social media handle on all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.