Week of May 19, 2024

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of May 19, 2024! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Arkansas' federal lawmakers backed the recent measure reauthorizing Federal Aviation Administration programs, with some members of the congressional delegation touting provisions impacting the Natural State.

President Joe Biden signed the $105 billion measure into law last Thursday, more than seven months after Congress was supposed to approve a five-year authorization bill.

STORY: Read the full story in the Sunday edition of the Democrat-Gazette

Reps. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., and Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., had a chance to press federal agency leaders about the ongoing response to the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore.

Crawford, of Jonesboro, and Westerman, of Hot Springs, raised questions during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing about the future build of a new bridge, sharing concerns about the federal government's share of the project's final cost and necessary environmental assessments.

STORY: Crawford, Westerman seek answers regarding future Baltimore bridge construction

Crawford took time last week to welcome explosive ordnance disposal technicians to Capitol Hill.

The congressional EOD Caucus held its annual "EOD Day on the Hill," recognizing military personnel and others involved in handling and removing explosives.

Crawford is one of the caucus' co-chairs. The congressman from Jonesboro served four years in the U.S. Army as an explosive ordnance disposal technician.

STORY: Read the full story in the Monday edition of the Democrat-Gazette

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