In case you missed it here’s a recap of what happened this week in Washington

• Thanking our Troops:  I had the opportunity to visit with Arkansas soldiers during a recent trip to the Middle East.  You can read who I met with in our weekly column. 

• Keystone XL Pipeline:  A new National Journal poll shows overwhelming public support for the construction of the Keystone Pipeline. Read more about the poll and why the President should approve the project. 

• Small Business Obstacle: A recent survey of small businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shows how unpopular the President’s health care law is among business owners and what they have planned to avoid the increased costs of the mandate. Read my thoughts about the results of this survey. 

• Role of the Education Department: In a recent interview, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan discussed how the department would be helping with the execution of the President’s health care law. I joined several of my GOP colleagues in sending a letter to the secretary questioning the department’s involvement in the implementation of the law.

• Russellville Airport Receives Grant:  The airport will receive a $156,622 grant. The money will be used to seal coat and remark the airport runway.