Week of June 16, 2024

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 16, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., released Senate Republicans' framework of the next farm bill, another step in Congress' efforts to pass a sweeping legislative package addressing agricultural, rural development and nutrition issues during the current congressional session.

Boozman, of Rogers, serves as the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

The framework — which Boozman says emphasizes the agriculture portion of the farm bill — comes more than a month after Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., released an overview highlighting Democrats' priorities.

STORY: Boozman reveals farm bill framework as deadline for action nears

An Arkansas lawyer appeared before the Senate Finance Committee to address reports of abuse and neglect at residential treatment facilities, including centers in the Natural State.

Reagan Stanford, the abuse and neglect managing attorney for Disability Rights Arkansas, told senators the current care model is failing to help children, with methods instead promoting a dangerous environment.

The committee additionally released a 135-page report detailing the mistreatment of young people at these centers.

STORY: Arkansas disability advocate addresses lawmakers about reports of abuse in residential treatment centers

All four of Arkansas’ members in the U.S. House of Representatives signed a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough opposing the display of Pride flags at department facilities.

The Department of Veterans Affairs authorized the flags to be flown across the country during June — widely recognized as Pride month — to honor more than 1 million LGBTQ+ veterans and their families.

The lawmakers, however, contend this policy is an expression of a political leaning.

Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., addressed Margie Scott, the medical center director of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, in a separate June 7 letter challenging the Pride flag at the Little Rock veterans hospital.

STORY: Arkansas’ U.S. House members want VA facilities to remove Pride flag authorized during June

STORY: Westerman once more challenges VA facilities over flying Pride flag

Thanks for supporting "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to stay up to date with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also follow what's happening in the nation's capital by checking me out on social media; my handle across all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.