In this Week in Review watch my speech honoring the life of Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt, join with me in celebrating the resiliency of Mayflower and Vilonia and read about my concerns with the critical habitat designation for two types of mussels in Arkansas’s rivers. 

• Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt Tribute: I honored the life of longtime Third District Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt on the Senate floor. Congressman Hammerschmidt passed away April 1. He was a true statesman who never forgot the people who elected him to serve in Washington. His dedication to his constituents during his career in public service was unmatched and is a marker I strive to meet. 

• Signs of Hope and Recovery: This week marked one year since a massive tornado tore through central Arkansas killing sixteen people in Faulkner, Pulaski and White counties. The devastating destruction has turned to hope and recovery as communities celebrated their resiliency and remembered this tragedy. 

• Critical Habitat Designation – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced its final critical habitat designations for the Neosho mucket and rabbitsfoot mussels under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). While the agency trimmed its original designation I still have concerns about the real economic cost. 

• Marshall Islands National Day: Arkansas is home to thousands of people with roots in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Today we recognize the 36^th anniversary of the nation’s independence. This is truly a reason for celebration and recognizing the unique relationship between our countries. That’s why it was concerning to me when I learned of Iran’s seizure of a Republic of the Marshall Islands flagged-vessel. The Marshall Islands entered into a Compact of Free Association with the U.S.  in 1986 which means the U.S. is obligated to defend the Republic of Marshall Islands, making this seizure of the ship that much more precarious. 

• Cuba Trade in the News: Last week I introduced the Agricultural Export Expansion Act with Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND). Here are some of the highlights about the importance of this bill and our efforts to support and improve the export of American agricultural commodities to Cuba. 

• Post-Earthquake Assistance to Nepal:  Over 5,800 have died, including four American citizens, as a result of the 7.8 earthquake that struck the central part of the country. The death toll expected to rise to over 15,000. Learn how you can check on U.S. citizens in Nepal, what the American government is doing to help and how you can contribute to humanitarian organizations helping on the ground.