Week of May 26. 2024

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of May 26, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives used two congressional hearings to ask questions surrounding the March 19 raid at Little Rock airport official Bryan Malinowski's home and his subsequent death.

The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and how agents executed a search warrant at Malinowski's west Little Rock residence.

Malinowski, the executive director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, had gained attention for his gun purchases and sales without a proper license. Malinowski family attorney Bryan Cummins told the committee that Malinowski collected guns as a hobbyist, noting he attended gun shows to display his firearm and coin collections.

STORY: Malinowski’s attorney appears before U.S. House subcommittee amid congressional interest in fatal March raid

STORY: ATF director mum about ongoing Malinowski investigation, notes funding problems in getting body cameras

The House Agriculture Committee took a step forward in trying to pass a new farm bill during this Congress.

The committee advanced the legislation during a lengthy markup that ended after midnight on Friday.

Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., was among the legislators who supported this move. Crawford, of Jonesboro, is the only Arkansas lawmaker who serves on the House Agriculture Committee.

STORY: U.S. House committee advances farm bill proposal; Crawford backs move

The full House passed comprehensive legislation addressing digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies.

The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act sets new authorities for federal agencies in regulating digital assets and related transactions.

Seventy-one Democrats joined most Republicans to support the legislation.

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., was one of the central figures in drafting and passing the bill.

STORY: U.S. House passes Hill measure confronting digital asset regulatory gaps

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.