Senator John Boozman

Boozman, Padilla, Curtis Lead Bill to Strengthen Rural Water Infrastructure and Wildfire Readiness

Wed, 182 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Firefighting Infrastructure for Rural and Exurban Smaller Municipalities Augmenting Residential Fuels Treatments (FIRE SMART) Act, legislation to expand funding eligibility for projects with fire suppression benefits in high-risk rural areas.

“We have seen wildfires threaten states across the West, and even in Arkansas, with deadly and devastating effects. I am proud to support a bipartisan solution that can help combat them and protect lives and communities by enhancing support for water systems while maintaining access to safe drinking water,” said Boozman.

“While we’ve made progress in wildfire mitigation and prevention, too many rural communities still lack the water infrastructure needed to effectively respond when disaster strikes,” said Padilla. “The FIRE SMART Act changes that reality by strengthening water systems and giving rural communities the tools they need to keep homes and families safe. While we can’t predict when wildfires will strike, this commonsense legislation will help ensure rural communities are better prepared when they do.”

“As wildfires continue to threaten Utah and the West, rural communities need access to the tools and infrastructure necessary to protect lives and property,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation makes targeted, commonsense reforms to allow certain drinking water projects that also strengthen wildfire resilience to qualify for federal support. By helping small, high-risk communities upgrade critical water infrastructure, we can improve public safety while maintaining the core mission of providing reliable drinking water.”

The bipartisan legislation would help build rural communities’ resiliency by optimizing water infrastructure to provide the flow necessary for emergency responders to save lives and property during an active wildfire. The legislation would amend the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to expand eligibility for water infrastructure projects that have both drinking water and wildfire suppression benefits, and are in communities at high risk for wildfires with fewer than 50,000 residents.

Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) also cosponsored the bill.

The FIRE SMART Act is endorsed by several organizations including the National Special Districts Association, National Association of Emergency and Fire Officials and Family Farm Alliance.

Click here to view full bill text.

Click here to view a bill summary.

A Farm Bill Built for Farmers, Rural Communities and the Future

Mon, 180 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

An updated farm bill is long overdue. Economic conditions have changed dramatically since the last farm bill became law in 2018, and Arkansas producers are anxiously awaiting action.

Arkansans understand agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy as well as a way of life. Our farmers, ranchers and foresters help feed, fuel and clothe our nation, yet they are facing some of the most difficult economic conditions in decades. Rising inflation, steep input costs and low market prices have created enormous financial pressure. For too many farm families, including those operating multi-generational farms, the path forward has become increasingly uncertain.

I heard these concerns directly from producers during visits across the state, in meetings with agricultural organizations and in testimony before for the Senate Agriculture Committee.

As Chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, I have championed efforts to support them amid these challenges. The latest step – the release of draft legislation designed to strengthen agriculture, support rural communities and ensure The Natural State’s agricultural legacy remains strong for generations to come – is another important stride.

The bill, the Agricultural Act of 2026, will also be referred to as Farm Bill 2.0 and builds on the essential updates passed within the Working Families Tax Cuts. That historic law, supported by the entire Arkansas Congressional Delegation, enhanced commodity programs, expanded access to more affordable crop insurance, improved disaster programs and increased reference prices. We also invested in animal health programs and enhanced risk management tools our producers depend on during difficult times. Arkansas farmers should begin to realize these benefits this fall.

Those updates were shaped by the voices of farmers and ranchers who called for more farm in the farm bill. While they represented meaningful progress, the need to advance several remaining agricultural priorities is clear.

Farm Bill 2.0 builds on that foundation. It strengthens local economies, improves quality of life and delivers critical investments in rural Arkansas. The legislation supports safe and reliable drinking water systems, expands broadband access to underserved communities, improves access to healthcare and helps make childcare more affordable. All are vital in helping rural communities maintain their populations and attract new opportunities.

The proposal also modernizes farm loan programs by increasing loan limits that no longer reflect today’s economic realities. Access to capital is critical and these updates will help ensure Natural State farmers have the tools they need to remain competitive.

I am proud that Farm Bill 2.0 will strengthen support for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and other 1890 land-grant institutions, ensuring they can continue educating the next generation of leaders, researchers and producers.

Additionally, it also includes provisions championed by Congressman French Hill to expand the Flatside Wilderness Area in the Ouachita National Forest and transfer a vacant U.S. Forest Service property to Perry County for future education and economic development opportunities, including programs that support the University of Arkansas Extension Program and 4-H.

Further, Farm Bill 2.0 defends the security of our agricultural land, including by modernizing and strengthening reporting requirements under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, and bolstering USDA’s Office of Homeland Security, a priority championed by Senator Cotton.

No single proposal has all the answers, but this discussion draft is a solid start in the Senate to craft a package that bolsters American agriculture and secures a brighter future for family farmers.

Arkansas farmers, ranchers and producers have always answered the call to do more to feed the nation. This legislation reflects our commitment to them. I look forward to continuing conversations with my colleagues to make sure we have the bipartisan support to get Farm Bill 2.0 across the finish line and to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

What They Are Saying: Arkansas Agriculture Leaders Praise Boozman’s Farm Bill 2.0 Discussion Draft

Fri, 177 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released the discussion draft for Farm Bill 2.0 on Tuesday. Built for the people who feed America, the proposal delivers more certainty for farm families, rural communities and the nation’s food supply. Arkansas agriculture leaders are applauding the Senate plan.

Here’s what they’re saying:

“Arkansas farmers and ranchers appreciate Sen. John Boozman and the Senate Agriculture Committee for releasing a farm bill proposal that strengthens the farm safety net and addresses the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities. We urge Congress to build on this momentum and deliver meaningful economic assistance, especially for row crop and specialty crop farmers who face historically difficult economic conditions.” –Arkansas Farm Bureau President Dan Wright

“We appreciate Chairman Boozman for developing this discussion draft during a critical time on our farms. Cotton producers and farm families across the country are navigating sustained price pressure, high input costs, and ongoing market uncertainty. This draft legislation strengthens the farm safety net, sharpens risk management tools, sustains key research, expands trade opportunities, and reinvests in the long-term success of rural America.” –NCC Chairman Nathan Reed

“Riceland Foods applauds Chairman Boozman and the Senate Agriculture Committee for advancing the Farm Bill and releasing the Agricultural Act of 2026. This is an important next step as Congress looks to provide long term certainty and build onto the improvements that were made under the Working Families Tax Cut Act, known to many as the One Big Beautiful Bill. We encourage Congress to work together to advance a modern, bipartisan farm bill that supports farmers and ensures a strong and reliable U.S. food supply.” –Rich Hillman, Riceland Foods Chairman

“Senator Boozman’s Farm Bill proposal includes several provisions that directly address challenges facing Arkansas cattle producers. From strengthening disaster programs and supporting rural veterinarians to investing in research on emerging livestock diseases like theileria and improving foreign animal disease preparedness, these policies help ensure producers have the tools they need to continue feeding our country.” –Don Hubbell, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association President

“With 70 percent of Arkansas’s forests in private hands, conservation easements are one of the most powerful tools we have to protect what matters most — clean water, wildlife habitat, and the rural economies that depend on healthy forests. From the riparian corridors of the Illinois River to the working woodlands, the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust has placed thousands of acres of forest into permanent conservation through easements. A dedicated funding source for the acquisition of conservation easements on privately owned forests will increase the pace of conservation in one of the country's fastest growing metro areas. As land prices continue to soar, incentives like this will benefit both landowners and the communities in which they live.” –Grady Spann, executive director & CEO, Northwest Arkansas Land Trust

“This Farm Bill text is a strong commitment to America’s farmers and the communities where we live and work. Catfish farmers appreciate the focus on resiliency, risk management, and the promotion of U.S. agriculture products like farm-raised catfish. We thank Chairman Boozman and the Senate Agriculture Committee members who are working to ensure our industry remains competitive and sustainable for generations to come.” –Chad Causey, EVP, Catfish Farmers of America

KATV: Sen. Boozman unveils Farm Bill 2.0 draft; "We need to pull out all the stops"

Andrew Mobley — Fri, 177 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Senator John Boozman, (R) Arkansas), on Tuesday unveiled Farm Bill 2.0, his draft of the overarching agriculture policy for the country. The Senate bill follows—and greatly differs from—the version passed in the House in May.

A badly needed new farm bill is overdue—the current bill in effect was passed in 2018 and its safety net programs are no longer saving farmers amid the ongoing agriculture crisis.

Crop prices are low and input prices are skyrocketing. Arkansas farmers are losing hundreds of dollars an acre across the state's major crops, and the crisis is starting to have an impact on agriculture infrastructure. Rice dryers are closing—can Boozman's bill save Arkansas agriculture?

"Now, anybody that plants a seed in the ground has already lost money," said Dan Wright, president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau.

To help curb the bleed, Boozman's bill provides direly needed increases to federal funding farmers have access to—increasing loan caps by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

"Expanding these limits is going to help immensely. Our last farm bill was based on 2012 prices, and things have gone up immensely," Wright said.

But throwing money at farmers is not a long-term solution—finding markets for them to sell to is. The bill more than doubles funding for programs that help U.S. agricultural trade groups, cooperatives and state agencies build and expand international export markets for American farm products. Domestic markets, some outside the box, are being pursued as well.

"We've got to sell more products overseas, but we've also got to find domestic markets for the things that we grow too. So, using soybeans as fuel is one of those," Boozman told KATV.

The Arkansas Farm Bureau is grateful for Boozman's work with the bill but says it doesn't address everything they'd like it to, like federal aid for farmers to keep them afloat until farm safety net updates in the Big Beautiful Bill kick in this fall.

"So they're needing money now. This Farm Bill didn't address that. We've talked to them. They said they're working on this in a separate issue. So we're good with that," Wright said.

Arkansas corn farmers lost $274 an acre last year. The Farm Bureau wants E-15, or 15-percent ethanol gas made from corn, to be approved for year-round sale to help them.

"We want it year-round so that our corn farmers will have another market to be able to sell to and also save people some money at the pumps," Wright told KATV.

Boozman's bipartisan bill differs greatly from the more comprehensive and controversial House version, which has changes to SNAP food benefits that Democrats won't stomach, among other divisive proposals.

"To get a bill passed in the Senate, we need Democrat support. And so, because of that, the things that are contentious that Democrats don't support, we elected to leave out. Agriculture is not a Democrat or Republican thing, it's all about helping farmers. This is a true crisis, and because of that, we need to pull all the stops out to get this passed," Boozman said.

"If you eat, you need to be worried about the Farm Bill. Without the Farm Bill, agriculture doesn't have a roadmap to go by. We need to have this Farm Bill... Arkansas and American agriculture depends on it," Wright said.

Boozman says the final touches are being put in the Farm Bill, after which it will be voted out of committee and hopefully go to the floor and become law as soon as possible.

Click here to read the story on KATV's website.

Chairman Boozman Releases Farm Bill 2.0 Text

Tue, 174 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after introducing legislative text for Farm Bill 2.0 that provides farmers, ranchers, foresters and rural communities with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

“We can all agree that we must take steps to help America’s farm families, and one of the most important ways we demonstrate that commitment is by passing a bipartisan farm bill.

“Congress delivered historic improvements to farm programs through the Working Families Tax Cuts, and we’re continuing to expand upon that success with bipartisan priorities that strengthen the American farm economy, increase investments for rural communities and foster a more resilient agricultural sector.

“I’m proud to put forward this discussion draft that reflects the input and priorities of Republicans, Democrats, and most importantly, rural America. This bill is built for the people who feed America, and I look forward to continuing conversations with my colleagues about how we can best serve them and the communities they call home,” Boozman said.

Click HERE for legislative text.

Click HERE for a title-by-title summary.

Click HERE for a section-by-section.

Click HERE for an overview.

Great Times in the Great Outdoors

Mon, 173 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

June is Great Outdoors Month, which offers the perfect reason to get out to appreciate the natural beauty that makes Arkansas such a special place to live, work and visit.

From hunting and fishing to hiking, camping and floating our rivers, The Natural State offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Arkansas is fortunate to be home to some of the nation’s most remarkable outdoor destinations, including the Buffalo National River, Hot Springs National Park, the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests and world-class lakes and trails that attract visitors from across the country. These experiences are more than recreation –– they strengthen families, connect communities and encourage active, healthy lifestyles.

Outdoor recreation is also an important part of Arkansas’s economy. Communities across our state benefit from visitors who support local restaurants, outfitters, lodging providers and small businesses while experiencing the natural beauty and hospitality that make Arkansas unique.

For generations, Natural State families have built traditions around spending time together outdoors, making conservation and access important priorities throughout our state.

Arkansans understand the importance of being good stewards of our abundant natural resources. In the Senate, I am proud to support efforts that conserve wildlife and habitats and improve access to public lands. That includes the America the Beautiful Act, legislation that would help address long-overdue maintenance needs at our national parks and other public lands so they can continue serving visitors for years to come.

Spending time outside offers proven physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. That is one reason I have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance legislation that expands recreational opportunities and helps more Americans experience the benefits of spending time in nature.

Outdoor recreation can be especially meaningful for veterans. Arkansas is home to more than 200,000 veterans, many of whom have found that hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities help reduce stress, build connections and support their overall well-being after military service.

Recognizing those benefits, I recently joined bipartisan colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to introduce the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act. This legislation would help state veterans agencies develop and expand outdoor recreation programs that support veterans’ health and quality of life.

I have also supported efforts to ensure young Americans have opportunities to experience our nation’s public lands. Last Congress, I partnered with colleagues to secure passage of the Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act, which extends through 2031 a successful program that provides free access to national parks and federal lands for fourth-grade students and their families.

The program has introduced thousands of children to America’s natural and historic treasures while encouraging families to explore more than 2,000 sites across the country. Participation continues to grow, demonstrating the value of helping young people develop an appreciation for the outdoors.

Additionally, I have supported legislation to promote hearing health for sportsmen, protect access for hunters and anglers and provide resources to conserve fish, wildlife and plant species that are vital to our outdoor heritage.

As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, this summer is a wonderful time to explore the public lands, parks and historic sites that tell America’s story. Whether spending a day on the water, hiking a favorite trail, casting a line with family or visiting one of our state’s historic and natural landmarks, there is no better time to experience the places that make Arkansas special. I remain committed to protecting and preserving these treasures so future generations can enjoy all The Natural State has to offer.

Ensuring Full Resources for Border Security and Immigration Enforcement

Mon, 166 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

Last month, the Trump administration marked a full year of zero releases at our country’s southern border. Finally, the era of catch-and-release for illegal border crossers into the U.S. has ended.

That is a stark departure from the chaos and crisis we watched play out there month after month during the Biden administration.

In fact, the U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along our southwest border in April were 94 percent lower compared to the monthly average of the last administration, and 96 percent lower than the peak in December 2023.

Despite years of excuses about how border security could only be achieved with the passage of new immigration laws, Congress and President Trump worked quickly to dispel that myth and prove that it simply required the will to enforce our existing laws and provide whatever resources necessary for that endeavor.

Passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts, which included billions of dollars for border security efforts such as barriers, equipment and technology, personnel, facility improvements and more, was an important factor. The administration also made border security a top priority and implemented policies to deter illegal immigration and regain operational control that had long been abandoned under previous administrations.

The results are clear: this is now the most secure border in our nation’s history.

That commonsense goal is something that should get bipartisan support, because border security is national security. Protecting Americans from criminal illegal immigrants is vital, yet it requires cooperation between states and the federal government.

Regrettably, my Democratic colleagues have obstructed these efforts at every turn, which is why Republicans in Congress have had to work overtime to achieve that outcome.

While we passed 11 of the 12 Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills with bipartisan votes, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was shut down for months because our colleagues refused to find common ground with Republicans on Capitol Hill and the White House. When we finally struck an agreement to reopen DHS, it only advanced without full-year budgets for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Being willing to fund the mission to defend our communities and country from criminal illegal immigrants, potential terrorism, drug smuggling and human trafficking should not depend on which side of the aisle you are on. Yet that is exactly what happened as Senate Democrats abandoned the regular appropriations process and good-faith negotiations on reforms to immigration enforcement practices in order to score political points.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) even went as far as to say that nobody in the country respects our border patrol and immigration agents. He could not be more wrong.

Senate Republicans stand with the men and women working non-stop to secure our border, enforce the law and protect Americans from the threats that result from reckless open-border policies. I was proud to vote for the Secure America Act, which also passed the House and has been signed into law, to ensure funding for Border Patrol and immigration enforcement activity cannot be held hostage again during the Trump administration. This law provides funding to fully resource that work so our personnel can solely focus on providing these critical services.

I am hopeful that bipartisan cooperation on national security issues will resume for the safety of Arkansans and all Americans. It is too important to risk.

Boozman, Air Force and Space Force Leaders Discuss Drone Defenses, FY27 Budget

Wed, 161 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Co-Chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus and senior member of the Appropriations Committee, questioned Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach and U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman on the service's ability to defend against drone incursions domestically and rationale behind its Fiscal Year 2027 budget request.

American Leadership is Helping Eradicate Malaria

Mon, 159 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), malaria takes the lives of over 600,000 people each year, making it one of the deadliest infectious diseases on earth.

Although it was eradicated in the United States over 70 years ago, this mosquito-borne illness remains a leading cause of death worldwide, disproportionately affecting young children and pregnant women.

During my time in Congress, I have had the privilege to travel throughout Africa, where I saw firsthand the devastation malaria leaves in its wake. In 2022, 95 percent of all reported malaria cases and 96 percent of malaria-related deaths occurred on the continent. These numbers are staggering and heartbreaking, especially because malaria is preventable, treatable and curable.

Fortunately, Americans from all walks of life — from elected officials to charitable organizations — are dedicated to making a meaningful difference.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Arkansas’s Third Congressional District, I served on the Foreign Affairs Committee and, with my former colleague Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ), founded what is now the Congressional Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Caucus in 2008. Working together, we helped build a bipartisan effort to advance policies aimed at eradicating malaria, specifically by bolstering humanitarian relief programs that save lives and simultaneously build goodwill towards the U.S. around the globe.

Malaria can be prevented through low-cost interventions such as insecticides, treated bed nets and antimalarial drugs. Medication to protect against the disease has proven incredibly effective. With these advancements, the world is closer than ever to ending malaria in our lifetime.

It has been inspiring to see how the fight to eliminate malaria has resonated with both Democrats and Republicans over many years. The consensus around fighting malaria comes from a shared belief that it is a practical and worthy object of our attention, time and resources.

For as long as I have been involved with this issue, I have been encouraged to witness the extreme compassion and generosity embodied by the American people in their support for this effort. The rest of the world and particularly developing countries look to the U.S. for leadership and assistance, and in turn, we have been able not just to supply our resources and attention but also organize and rally lasting support from other nations.

One major force in the fight against malaria has been the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The program, established by President George W. Bush, has reduced malaria deaths by around one-third, largely due to the focused partnerships between local governments, stakeholder groups, faith communities and charitable organizations. Today, the United States is the largest donor to global malaria efforts and due to our involvement, 47 countries have been certified as “malaria-free.”

The PMI represented a powerful commitment to turn the tide against malaria in Africa and around the world, which it certainly did. I remain grateful for the support President and Mrs. Bush demonstrated for this fight as well as the congressional effort I was blessed to help lead.

Ultimately, saving lives from malaria helps pull nations out of poverty, reduces instability and enhances U.S. diplomacy. Eliminating malaria is a critical step in fostering economic growth and even further reducing the need for future, costly humanitarian assistance.

I’m pleased that we continue to build off these efforts and that Americans are engaged with fighting infectious disease and lifting communities around the world.

Boozman Votes to Fully Fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol

Fri, 156 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after voting to approve the Secure America Act that funds Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the next three years:

“Funding the vital mission to defend our communities and country from criminal illegal immigrants, potential terrorism, drug smuggling and human trafficking should be a bipartisan effort, yet Senate Democrats abandoned the regular appropriations process and good-faith negotiations in order to score political points. My Republican colleagues and I stand with the men and women working non-stop to secure our border, enforce the law and protect Americans from the threats that result from reckless open-border policies. I was proud to help ensure funding for Border Patrol and immigration enforcement activity cannot be held hostage again during the Trump administration so the personnel performing these roles are fully resourced and focused on providing for our safety and national security.”

Background

The Secure America Act is narrowly targeted budget reconciliation legislation that:

- Fully funds CBP and ICE through Fiscal Year 2029.

Provides $26 billion to CBP and $38 billion to ICE to hire, pay, train and equip personnel as well as fund other mission support, operations and maintenance costs necessary to fulfill immigration law enforcement and border security functions.

- Provides $5 billion to the Department of Homeland Security through FY29 to assist immigration enforcement and law enforcement efforts.

Boozman, Moran, Blumenthal Introduce Veterans Cost-of-Living Increase Legislation

Wed, 154 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, joined committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to introduce legislation ensuring the rate of disability compensation and other financial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans, their families and military survivors keeps pace with the rate of inflation.

The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 will increase certain VA benefits – including disability compensation, clothing allowances, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children – to reflect changes in the everyday cost of living while aligning VA with annual benefit increases by the Social Security Administration.

“Our country must fulfill the promises made to those who wear our nation’s uniform, and that includes benefit levels that reflect current economic conditions to help meet their needs and those of their loved ones,” Boozman said. “I am pleased to work in a bipartisan way with our Chairman and Ranking Member to deliver this critical update for veterans in Arkansas and across the nation.”

“Congress has a responsibility to deliver meaningful benefits for veterans and their families, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment helps make certain VA benefits keep pace with changes in the economy,” said Moran. “These increases will strengthen VA’s ability to support veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as their dependents and survivors, by adjusting for inflation and aligning with Social Security benefit increases to provide the financial stability veterans and their families have earned.”

“As the cost of groceries, housing, and gas continues to skyrocket, veterans deserve to know their benefits will keep pace,” said Blumenthal. “I’m proud to join Senator Moran in introducing legislation that will make much needed adjustments to veterans’ benefits during this cost-of-living crisis.”

The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Banks (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Boozman Among Lawmakers Pushing Restoration of Protect Life Rule

Tue, 153 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined 158 of his colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore the Protect Life Rule and ensure Title X Family Planning Program funding does not support abortion or abortion services.

“We ask you to correct the misguided actions of the previous administration and reimplement the Protect Life Rule to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize the abortion industry,” the lawmakers wrote to Kennedy.

The bicameral letter calls on HHS to rescind a Biden-era Title X rule and reinstate a policy implemented during President Trump’s first term that required complete physical and financial separation between federally funded family planning services and abortion-related activities. The pro-life members argued the Biden administration’s changes compromised the integrity of the Title X program and allowed abortion providers to receive taxpayer funding contrary to congressional intent.

The letter was led by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, along with Representatives Ron Estes (R-KS) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC). In total, 41 senators and 118 members of the House of Representatives signed the letter, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).

The full letter is available here and below:

Dear Mr. Secretary,

We write to urge your administration to swiftly propose and finalize the "Compliance with Statutory Program Integrity Requirements" rule, commonly known as the "Protect Life Rule," to restore crucial safeguards to the Title X Family Planning Program. Created by Congress in 1970, Title X of the Public Health Service Act clearly intended to prohibit federal funds from being spent in programs where abortion is a method of family planning. We ask you to correct the misguided actions of the previous administration and reimplement the Protect Life Rule to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize the abortion industry.

During President Trump's first administration, the Protect Life Rule successfully fulfilled the spirit and letter of this decades-old law by firmly separating abortion from family planning. The rule appropriately eliminated the egregious abortion referral mandate, which protected the conscience rights of health care providers and increased the potential for diversity among program applicants. Furthermore, it stipulated that Title X projects had to be organized with complete physical and financial separation between a grantee's Title X activities and abortion activities. This much-needed reform ended the practice of "co-location," which had made federal funds vulnerable to misuse and implied that abortion was a method of family planning. The Protect Life Rule also implemented a stronger focus on protecting women and children from being victimized by abuse, rape, incest, and trafficking by bolstering oversight of grantee compliance with state abuse reporting requirements.

Unfortunately, the Biden administration's decision to suspend and revise the Protect Life Rule compromised the integrity of the Title X program. By mandating abortion referrals, the Biden rule effectively required grantees to encourage or promote abortion in order to receive funding, operating exactly opposite to the requirements of the Title X statute. This mandate also directly violated the Weldon Amendment, which makes it illegal for the federal government to discriminate against health care entities that do not refer for abortion. Furthermore, by permitting the "co-location" of abortion clinics and Title X clinics in the same facility, the revised rule provided funding to clinics that perform abortions, allowing them to reallocate financial resources to advance their abortion agenda at the taxpayer's expense. The Biden administration even punished the pro-life states of Oklahoma and Tennessee by stripping their lifesaving Title X funding. Even now, Oklahoma is still waiting for the approximately $9 million Title X funds that were stripped in 2023 and 2024.

History confirms that without the Protect Life Rule, Title X serves as a funding stream for the abortion industry. For example, between 2013 and 2015, Title X funds made up over $170 million of Planned Parenthood's expenditures. Restoring these critical reforms is not without precedent; regulations requiring the physical separation of abortion activities and prohibiting abortion referrals were promulgated under President Ronald Reagan in 1988 and upheld by the Supreme Court in 1991.

It is time to restore the bright line of separation between family planning and abortion that is consistent with the plain text of the statute and Congressional intent. We urge you to move swiftly to issue regulations for the Title X program that will protect federal taxpayer funds from being spent for Title X programs where abortion is a method of family planning.

Shaping National Security with a Strong Arkansas Foundation

Mon, 152 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

Arkansas has a long tradition of strongly supporting the armed forces as a whole, and especially our men and women in uniform. From the National Guard to defense depots, training facilities and air bases, communities across our state have always stepped up to advance our national security and demonstrate how much we value the servicemembers who protect us.

As Chairman of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve worked to expand Arkansas’s leadership in military readiness and modernization. These efforts continue to build on local longstanding military contributions with significant regional and statewide benefits in addition to being integral to the defense of the country.

Recently, we have secured major military construction projects that will shape the future of defense operations in The Natural State for years to come.

One standout endeavor is the ongoing work at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith. Through hard work and collaboration among city and state leaders alongside the congressional delegation, Ebbing has become the home of the Foreign Military Sales F-35 training mission. Congress has provided strong support with $83 million allocated for 2024 and another $135 million for 2025 to expand the base. These investments make Arkansas a key hub for allied pilot training that undeniably bolsters America’s global partnerships.

Other investments are modernizing and improving readiness statewide.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction appropriations bill funds projects at Camp Robinson. These include a new Medical Command Readiness Center and a headquarters for the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. It also invests in planning for a consolidated C-130J maintenance hangar at Little Rock Air Force Base, which plays a critical role in supporting the Air Force’s tactical airlift mission. As home to the world’s largest C-130 training center, Little Rock Air Force Base is essential in preparing pilots, aircrews and maintainers who conduct or assist with missions across the globe. Modernized maintenance infrastructure will help ensure the base can continue supporting the next generation of C-130J aircraft and sustain its essential capabilities well into the future.

Red River Army Depot, which employs many residents of southwest Arkansas, remains vital to keeping military equipment mission-ready and fortifying the broader defense industrial base. For decades, the depot has restored, rebuilt and maximized the effectiveness of essential military vehicles and components used by U.S. servicemembers around the world. In FY2026, we delivered $93 million for a new Component Rebuild Shop that will upgrade depot operations, improve efficiency and enhance America’s ability to retain and rapidly repair military equipment at a time when readiness and supply chain resiliency are increasingly important to our national defense.

These projects represent long-term commitments to military readiness, national security and those who serve while also generating jobs, economic growth and exciting opportunities for Arkansas communities.

As our state maintains this proud tradition, I will continue championing policies that complement our current installations and assets, as well as the personnel behind them, eagerly and strategically in my role as MilCon-VA Chairman. Alongside Senator Cotton and our Arkansas colleagues in the House of Representatives, we will work tirelessly on boosting our state’s national security footprint that makes all Americans safer and more prosperous.

Mena Native Joins Boozman’s Washington Staff

Mon, 152 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

Senator Boozman welcomes Mena High School graduate Travis Thrailkill to his Capitol Hill team.

WASHINGTON—Mena residents may now hear a familiar name when they contact U.S. Senator John Boozman’s Washington, D.C. office. Polk County native Travis Thrailkill recently joined the senator’s team as a staff assistant.

“It is an honor to join Senator Boozman’s team and serve the people of Arkansas,” said Thrailkill. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my home state and contribute to the work being done to support communities across The Natural State.”

“Travis has a strong appreciation for what makes Arkansas special and a desire to serve others that will make him a great addition to our office,” said Boozman. “I’m pleased to welcome him to the team and look forward to helping guide his professional development as he delivers critical support to Arkansans.”

In the staff assistant role, Thrailkill helps support the office’s longstanding commitment to constituent services. His responsibilities include assisting individuals who contact the senator’s Capitol Hill office with questions related to legislation and Senate activity as well as coordinating tours of Washington, D.C. landmarks and processing requests for flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Prior to joining Boozman’s staff, Thrailkill interned for the senator in the nation’s capital during the summer of 2025.

Thrailkill is a 2022 graduate of Mena High School and a 2026 graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. He is the son of Danny and Krystal Thrailkill and supported by his stepfather Mike Ross and stepmother Christy Thrailkill.

Boozman, Fischer, Bennet Mark Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day

Fri, 149 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) championed a bipartisan effort to highlight the unique challenges agricultural producers and workers face as part of Mental Health Month, introducing a Senate resolution to designate May 29, 2026, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.

“On Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day, we recognize and support hardworking farmers and producers. Agriculture comes with unique challenges and pressures, many outside a producer’s control, which can take a serious toll on mental health and wellbeing,” Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said. “Today and every day, we encourage conversation and access to resources that support the people at the center of American agriculture. We are committed to strengthening critical mental health services for farmers, ranchers and rural communities in Farm Bill 2.0.”

“Farmers, ranchers, and ag workers have some of the toughest jobs in the country,” Fischer said. “Right now, a struggling farm economy is making life even harder – and it weighs heavily on the minds of those who feed and fuel our nation. This resolution designates May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day and sheds light on the resources available for those in need. I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan, bicameral effort as we keep working to ease the strain in farm country.”

“Colorado farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers face unprecedented challenges from severe drought to increased costs that can take a toll on their mental health,” Bennet said. “I’ve consistently worked to expand access to affordable, reliable mental health care for all Coloradans and am grateful to stand with Senator Fischer and my Senate colleagues to designate May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. Providing visibility and awareness to address these challenges is essential for progress.”

The senators’ resolution cites factors including weather unpredictability, labor intensity and shortages, farm succession, and fluctuating commodity and market prices that pose distinct challenges for farmers and the ag labor force. The measure also aims to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental health and cites support offered by the Farm and Ranch Assistance Network at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The resolution is cosponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tina Smith (D-MN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

Click here for resources available through USDA.

Click here to view text of the resolution.

Arkansas’s Next Big Energy Export: Lithium

Thu, 148 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Arkansas is blessed with remarkable natural resources — from our lakes and rivers to our forests and fertile farmland. Yet many people are less familiar with another asset beneath our feet: the rich energy-related resources that play an important role in our nation’s supply chain.

The Smackover Formation, a geologic unit that runs across south Arkansas featuring immense petroleum and natural gas deposits, was the site of an oil boom during the 1920s. It proved to be among the largest oil reserves in America at the time, and local communities across Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida benefited from the rush this discovery generated.

In addition to its traditional energy reserves, the Smackover Formation has supported new industries since the early 2000s. Brine extracted from it can be refined to produce bromine, a valuable element used across a wide range of sectors including textiles, agriculture and healthcare.

More recent discoveries have brought renewed attention and exciting developments in the region. In addition to bromine, scientists and engineers identified significant concentrations of lithium in the brine found deep under the surface. Continued research has confirmed that this area holds substantial, previously untapped lithium reserves.

What had been described as a “hidden treasure” is quickly becoming a highly visible asset because of the strategic importance it can play in meeting critical demand within our domestic supply chain with potential national security and economic ramifications.

A 2024 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study estimated that between 5 and 19 million tons of lithium lie beneath southwestern Arkansas — enough to meet the nation’s needs for years to come. USGS officials also noted that, by 2030, this reserve could exceed the global demand for lithium used in car batteries nine times over.

Federal action has helped lay the groundwork for developing critical minerals like lithium. The U.S. Department of Energy has supported research, development and extraction of these resources while the Secretary of the Interior released the final Critical Minerals List for 2025, identifying the minerals essential to America’s economic and national security. Lithium was among them.

Although lithium is essential to both domestic industries and national defense technologies, the United States produces only a small fraction of its own supply. I appreciate that the urgency to develop the resource domestically is now being addressed.

I have worked alongside our congressional delegation to encourage public-private partnerships to strengthen the lithium industry as well as collaboration and cooperation between state and federal agencies to ensure these projects are not subject to overly burdensome regulations. The fact is that, like with most other energy projects, we can do this cleaner than the rest of the world, using less land and still protecting our water supply.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and I have also urged the Trump administration to prioritize U.S.-sourced lithium and the growing strategic role that South Arkansas now plays in critical mineral security given how foundational lithium is in the manufacture of precision munitions and advanced weapons systems that ensure our military’s readiness and superiority.

With this resource under our feet, Arkansas can potentially play a major role in helping restore American energy independence and reducing our reliance on China. And you would be hard pressed to find a place as eager as The Natural State to take the lead and truly capitalize on this opportunity.

It is not acceptable for the United States to continue relying on foreign sources for critical minerals when we have the ability to secure these resources at home. Developing domestic capacity is essential to protecting our economic future and ensuring long-term national security.

Honoring the Fallen

Mon, 145 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Memorial Day is a special time to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service to our nation. Throughout our history, over one million American servicemembers have perished fighting for our freedoms and values. Their immense selflessness and bravery represent a debt that can never be fully repaid.

Thousands of Arkansans have rendered noble service in conflicts ranging from peacekeeping missions to World Wars — many paying the ultimate price alongside their fellow countrymen.

These acts of valor have protected generations of Americans’ God-given rights and liberties and defined our country as the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

Commemorating the legacies of the fallen and the immense impact they have had on preserving our way of life is part of our duty to them and their loved ones.

Fortunately, as home to over 200,000 veterans, Arkansas communities uphold a strong admiration for our servicemembers and military families. Our state has a proud tradition of supporting national defense as well as our family, friends and neighbors who assure it.

One of these Arkansans is former United States Air Force Captain Floyd Brantley, who recently traveled from Conway to visit the nation’s capital with his family and made time to visit my office. As part of the Greatest Generation, Captain Brantley is planning a Memorial Day trip to Normandy to pay his respects to fellow veterans at their final resting place.

We met over 10 years ago when he joined me to discuss his service in World War II and the Korean War during an interview for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. This important initiative documents and preserves the personal accounts of American veterans.

Since its founding by Congress over two decades ago, over 100,000 veterans have participated in the VHP with submissions of service spanning from World War I to Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror. My office has been proud to organize interviews and events throughout Arkansas in partnership with the Library of Congress to successfully train 1,200 Arkansans and submit the oral histories of over 100 Natural State veterans.

I was inspired to become involved with the program after realizing that my father, who served in WWII and Korea, did not often share details about his service in the military. Many veterans relate to this private humility, and I am pleased that each year, more and more of them are interested in recounting their experiences so future generations can learn, appreciate and understand the meaning of their service. I am confident that interest in this unique and worthy project will only deepen across our state and the nation.

As we mark Memorial Day, may we pause to honor the courageous men and women who have demonstrated freedom is not free, and recommit ourselves to preserving their legacies and cherishing the freedoms they fought and died to protect. May we never take those who have given the last full measure of devotion for granted.

Boozman, VA Cite Positive Impact on Health Sector in Rural Communities

Fri, 142 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Department Tells Senator it Invested $613 Million in Arkansas Providers in 2025...

Boozman Urges Continued Federal Investment in Scientific and Biomedical Research, Strengthened Capacity in Heartland

Thu, 141 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) questioned officials with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on the impact of investments in biomedical, cancer and drug abuse research at a hearing examining the president's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request.

Boozman touted the critical role the IDeA program has played in states like Arkansas that have historically received a smaller share of federal biomedical research funding yet face some of the nation’s highest rates of chronic disease and adverse health outcomes.

The senator also cited the rising incidence of cancer among younger adults who would otherwise be considered healthy and at low risk, and pushed for an update on research initiatives underway to identify potential causes and prevention strategies.

Boozman, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, concluded by referencing the emergence of a powerful new synthetic opioid, reported to be even stronger than fentanyl, recently linked to a death in Arkansas and sought assurance that federal research and resources continue to adapt quickly enough to help states tackle these rapidly evolving, lethal drug threats.

Boozman, Luján Champion Greater Access to Radiology Services

Thu, 141 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Senators Seek Medicare Reimbursement Eligibility for Hospital Radiologist Assistant-Performed Medical Imaging...