Week of August 17, 2025

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of August 17, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

It's been more than a month since President Donald Trump signed Republicans' tax and spending package into law.

Much of the attention surrounding the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act has been focused on its preservation of the first Trump presidency's tax breaks and changes to Medicaid and nutrition assistance, but the law has also delivered a significant update to the agricultural programs.

Farmers and other producers have been pushing for congressional action addressing these programs for multiple years amid a period of low reference prices, high input costs and inflation.

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

The previous episode of "Arkies in the Beltway" highlighted the possibility of a government shutdown in September.

Members of Congress have another reason to approve the annual appropriations measures next month: These spending bills will include millions of dollars for projects in their states and districts.

Senators and House members can make these requests for federal funds, also known as earmarks, as part of Congress' annual appropriations process.

STORY: Arkansas lawmakers aim to bring federal funds to Natural State with project requests

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