Dr. Boozman's Check-up

Summer is fast approaching, and I know many Arkansans are looking forward to spending quality time with friends, family and loved ones. For some, this might mean exploring a new city, visiting a national park on a family trip or even preparing for an internship opportunity away from home. As you look ahead to the summer travel season, booking flights and packing your bags, make sure you are aware of an important, upcoming deadline: on May 7, 2025, all Americans will be required to present “REAL ID” compliant identification, or another acceptable form of ID, in order to board a domestic flight.

If you have not heard of this requirement before, you are certainly not alone. While the REAL ID Act of 2005 was enacted by Congress 20 ago in response to the findings of the 9/11 Commission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the implementation deadline multiple times over the past two decades. However, all indications point to the May 7 deadline of this year to be fully enforced and final.

The purpose of the REAL ID Act is to protect Americans from identity fraud and the malicious intentions of bad actors by implementing a secure and consistent standard nationwide. The REAL ID card itself has increased physical security features that make it more difficult to counterfeit or duplicate. Further, more documents are required to prove your identity, citizenship and proof of residence during the application process. This two-pronged approach is essential to making sure that REAL IDs end up in the right hands.

While the process to apply for and receive your REAL ID can feel tedious, it is important to start taking action and begin sooner than later to make sure your planned and future travel is not at risk of disruption.

To apply for your REAL ID, you will need to schedule an appointment at an Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration state Revenue Office, and eventually provide the following documents:

Proof of legal residence (a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. Passport)
Proof of Identity (driver’s license; military, work or school ID; marriage certificate; vehicle registration or title; or a health insurance card)
Proof of Social Security Number (which can include your social security card or a W-2 form or pay stub that shows your full name and SSN)
Proof of Residency (Two documents such as: a gas, water or electric bill that includes your full name; a valid fishing or hunting license; paycheck stub or bank account statement; or a renters or motor vehicle insurance policy)

If you are unable to locate one or more of the necessary documents, you will need to contact the appropriate agency. For example, if you misplaced your social security card, you would need to contact the Social Security Administration. As always, if you encounter any problems involving a federal agency, please reach out to my office. We are always happy to assist.

While organizing a trip can be fun, it is crucial to plan for the most important detail of all if you intend to board a flight – having access to your REAL ID or other acceptable identification. Making an appointment and collecting the necessary documents now can save you potential delays and frustration in the future.

My office is hearing from many Arkansans who have concerns related to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Rumors or outdated material are being conflated with confirmed changes impacting the agency, so it is important to address these issues and share the latest, accurate information relating to its customer service initiatives.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to reach the agency right now. SSA officials say they are overwhelmed with calls, and those who have tried the national hotline tell us they’ve waited on hold for several hours. To avoid this frustration, it is best to skip the hotline and reach out to your closest Field Office. You can find direct contact information here by entering your zip code: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

The agency recently announced a new identity verification procedure, and this has caused an uptick in calls. The important thing to know is there is no reason for most Social Security recipients to contact the agency about this right now. The updated rules relate to people applying for benefits or trying to make a change to their direct deposit information. For Arkansans who already receive benefits and are not making changes, there is no reason to take action or worry — you are not required to verify your identity outside of those circumstances.

It is important to be aware of a change on the horizon that will impact several thousand Social Security recipients in Arkansas: the federal government will no longer issue paper checks for benefits. While not a new initiative – agencies have been working toward this goal for many years – the effort has a new deadline of September 30, 2025.

Currently, more than 99 percent of Social Security recipients receive direct deposit each month. That is an impressive figure, with more than 68 million people knowing their benefits will arrive on-time in their bank account, prepaid card or other digital payment service. However, that leaves more than 480,000 Americans who still get a check in the mail, including an estimated 5,800 who are living in Arkansas.

This is an important problem to tackle for both the federal government and the recipients. Fortunately, there are many ways to make this work in 2025, but it is important for those impacted to take steps to make this change. It is also critical that caretakers, fiduciaries and guardians for the elderly and people with disabilities pay attention, watch for more guidance and ensure there is no lapse in assistance for their loved ones.

The easiest way to make a change in how payments are received is through the Social Security Administration website: https://www.ssa.gov/deposit/howtosign.htm

As always, if you have trouble with these processes, feel free to reach out to my office.

With less than a month until the annual deadline to file federal taxes, it is time for all of us to dot our i’s and cross all the t’s to make sure our returns get processed as quickly and accurately as possible.

Every year my office receives calls for help from Arkansans whose refunds are delayed. In most cases, the delay relates to the IRS needing to verify a person’s identity. Sadly, this can happen because of an identity theft issue where someone files a return using someone else’s Social Security number. But, just as often the identity verification happens because of common errors that plague us all during this annual process.

In an effort to reduce these and other common filing problems, officials at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) recently shared their best tips to help ensure your return is processed smoothly and swiftly.

Among the most important is to triple-check that all the basic information is correct for you and your dependents. Many returns get delayed because of simple errors with dates of birth, misspelled names, a changed address and other identifying information that needs to match IRS records. This is equally important if someone is helping you file your taxes. It is just as easy for a tax-preparer to transpose a number, so be sure to proofread the final product for those details before you send in any tax return.

Another common slowdown can happen when filers try to use their pay stubs to verify their income. TAS officials say it is much better to use a year-end income tax statement such as a W-2 or 1099. In addition, be sure to complete all the necessary worksheets and include all the attachments to back up any credits and deductions you are claiming. Missing information could trigger a review and require you to do significant follow up with the IRS.

Over the years, E-filing has become the most efficient way to file. But even people comfortable with this process sometimes rely too much on the technology and end up suffering through a delay. Mostly importantly, make sure you are using data from the correct tax year. If you’ve used the same software before, it will likely import the prior year’s data automatically. You will need to make sure the numbers are correct for tax year 2024.

Another unfortunately common problem occurs because of the rash of identity theft. If the IRS has issued you an Identity Protection PIN for this reason, be sure to use it. Identity theft victims may receive a new IP PIN each year from the IRS and your return won’t go smoothly without the proper one.

If you need help with this process, the IRS has interactive tools and links to the IRS Free File, IRS Direct File and organizations that help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at IRS.gov/help.

More than three million Americans are projected to see an increase in their monthly benefits due to a new law enacted last month – the Social Security Fairness Act.

This law ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) impacting some retirees who receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security. My office has heard from many public service employees over the years negatively impacted by these policies.

As it begins to be implemented, officials from the Social Security Administration (SSA) have noted it could take more than a year to fully adjust benefits due to the complexity of making changes for three million people.

In the meantime, anyone who currently receives SSA benefits and believes they may be impacted by this law should make sure their mailing address and/or direct deposit information is up to date with the SSA. The easiest way to do this is online at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

If you have never applied for SSA retirement, spousal, or surviving spouse's benefits because of WEP or GPO, you may need to file an application at www.ssa.gov/apply.

More information about this change and updates from the SSA can be found here: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html

As always, if you have trouble finding information you need about this or any other federal government program, feel free to reach out to my office for assistance. My staff and I are happy to serve as a resource and ask questions on your behalf.

With the start of the 119^th Congress, there have already been multiple opportunities to support policies that defend the unborn and affirm the sanctity of every life. Babies in the womb and their mothers deserve our advocacy and I am proud to join my colleagues in backing pro-life legislation that recognizes their value and dignity.

Here are some of the latest measures I’ve joined to protect and defend life:

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, to protect newborns who survive abortions by requiring they receive care from health care practitioners.
The Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act, to ban discriminatory abortions that result from a Down syndrome diagnosis.
The Protecting Life on College Campus Act, to prohibit federal funds from going to any college or university with campus health clinics or sites that provide abortions or abortion drugs to students and employees.
The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act, to make permanent the Hyde Amendment that prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions.

Further, I am proud to continue my efforts on the Pro-Life Caucus and have joined over 140 other Members of Congress to encourage President Trump to both reinstate and broaden life-affirming, pro-life policies in his new administration.

Finally, I am pleased the Susan B. Anthony List has awarded me an A+ rating on its National Pro-Life Scorecard because of my consistent pro-life voting record.

It is not only a tremendous responsibility, but an honor, to serve as a voice for vulnerable children in the womb and their mothers. I will continue to work alongside my colleagues and advocates across our nation on this vital issue.

The Senate held another In-State Work Period in October and early November, which gave me time to visit multiple Natural State communities, meeting with many stakeholders around a variety of topics including economic development, maternal health, drug abuse prevention and more.

I attended the grand opening of a brand-new Sig Sauer ammunition plant that is now delivering ammunition for the U.S. Army's next generation weapons system while bringing hundreds of jobs to The Natural State.

Arkansas Money and Politics – Sig Sauer Hosts Grand Opening of Jacksonville Arkansas Ammunition Center

Guns.com – Sig Sauer Opens Huge New Ammo Plant

Outdoor Wire – SIG Takes Another Step for The Infantry

Shooting Sports USA – Gov. Sarah Sanders, Sen. John Boozman Headline SIG Sauer Jacksonville Arkansas Ammunition Center Grand Opening

Arkansas Leader – Sig Sauer Opens New 210,000 Square foot Facility in Jacksonville

It was a pleasure to take in the inaugural pump of the new Bayou Meto water pump station – a project I’ve long championed and shepherded – that will help farmers in eastern and central Arkansas more efficiently and sustainably irrigate their crops as well as enhance flood risk protection and preserve habitat.

Talk Business and Politics – Bayou Meto Water Project Prepares for Next Phase

KARK – Bayou Meto Project Station Gets First Pump

Stuttgart Daily Leader – Historic Bayou Meto Project Pump Station Demonstration Marks Milestone in Decades-Long Effort to Boost State’s Agriculture Economy

As our state continues to battle the opioid crisis, I was honored to secure new funding for a program at UALR to fight drug misuse and abuse among Arkansas youth.

University of Arkansas, Little Rock – UA Little Rock Recieves $5 Million to Combat Drug Use Among Arkansas Youth

Arkansas Advocate – Arkansas Youth Drug-Reduction Program Launches Using $5 Million in Federal Funds

KARK – UA Little Rock Program Receives $5 Million to Help Combat Drug Use Among Arkansas Youth

Arkansas Democrat Gazette – UALR to Use $5 Million in Federal Funding for Drug Abuse Prevention Campaign

Arkansas Business – UA Little Rock Receives $5M to Combat Drug Use Among Arkansas Youth

Arkansas Money and Politics – UA Little Rock, Boozman Announce Federal Funding to Combat Youth Drug Use

Talk Business and Politics – UALR Receives $5 Million for Training, Education to Combat Drug Use

Arkansas Democrat Gazette – Editorial: Drug Action

Congressman Steve Womack and I welcomed the Director of the National Institutes of Health to NW Arkansas and showcased our medical community and gave providers and researchers the opportunity to share their insights directly with us.

Arkansas Democrat Gazette – State’s Medical research Deserves More Funding, National Institutes of Health Director Says During Northwest Arkansas Visit

Axios – NIH Director “Blown Away” by Health Care Efforts in Arkansas

Talk Business and Politics – NIH Director Tours AWSOM, Applauds Focus on Whole Health

UAMS News – NIH Director Visits UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation

I was pleased to speak at the investment announcement from the Faymonville Group. The decision to make the Port of Little Rock its first U.S. production site is an exciting chapter for the region and Arkansas.

Morning Star – Faymonville Group Selects Little Rock, Arkansas for United States Production Facility

Talk Business and Politics – Faymonville Group to Build Plant in Little rock, Add 500 Jobs

The Trucker – Trailblazer in Heavy-Duty Trailers: Faymonville Group Sets up Shop in Little Rock

I welcomed this year’s Congressional Youth Cabinet to more students than we’ve ever had participate before. We look forward to a great year of hard work and collaboration as they learn more about the impact public policy has on their lives and communities.

Southwest Arkansas Today – Boozman Convenes 2024-2025 Arkansas Congressional Youth Cabinet

River Valley Democrat Gazette – River Valley Students Selected for State Congressional Youth Cabinet; Annual Initiative Aims to Foster Civic Engagement

Arkadelphian – Arkadelphia Student Tabbed for Congressional Youth Cabinet

Stuttgart Daily Leader – Boozman Convenes 2024-2025 Arkansas Congressional Youth Cabinet

Arkansas Democrat Gazette – 114 Arkansas High School Juniors Meet in Little Rock as Congressional Youth Cabinet

Batesville Daily Guard – Sen. Boozman Convenes Congressional Youth Cabinet

Johnson County Graphic – Ozark Students Selected for Congressional Youth Cabinet

Jonesboro Sun – Congressional Youth Cabinet Convenes

Poinsett County Democrat Tribune – Weathers Selected for Youth Cabinet

I also participated in many events highlighting Arkansas’s growth and improvements in various different industries and regions. The new I-57 designation is a tremendous achievement for Arkansas. I look forward to the economic growth it will attract and am proud to have championed its federal recognition. We also had the honor to help celebrate thirty years of the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center. The institution and its staff are a blessing, and I applaud its efforts to expand access to innovative pediatric research. Rep. Bruce Westerman and I were excited to attend the ribbon cutting at PotlatchDeltic’s expanded sawmill in Waldo. The timber industry is integral to Arkansas and their investments will grow our workforce and keep our forests healthy. While in SW Arkansas, I appreciated the opportunity to receive an update from local officials from Pike and Howard counties. I also visited Game Composites in Bentonville and discussed the space its carving out of the aviation industry to support forest fire suppression and our agriculture community. Our state’s farmers and ranchers also kindly hosted me at several venues, including a day of stops with Gov. Sanders, and I ended that swing of the trip with a visit to Carbon Chicken Project’s Innovation Farm in Fayetteville.

The August in-state work period allows me more time to spend in the state. I appreciated having many productive visits with Arkansans to hear about issues and priorities that I can take back to Washington to help shape better policies. Here’s a roundup of local coverage of some of our meetings across Arkansas.

I was pleased to join Senator Cotton to promote workforce development and investment:

KJNB – A-State thanks Senators Boozman, Cotton and Rep. Crawford for Campus Visit

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Business Leaders Joined Senators Boozman and Cotton to Discuss regulatory climate, inflation and worker shortages

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Boozman, Cotton, Crawford hold listening session with Steel industry figures.

Arkansas Business – Boozman and Cotton Talk Labor Shortages, Regulatory Challenges and more in Little Rock

Paragould Daily Press – NEA steel industry has worldwide impact, lawmakers told

El Dorado News – Senator Boozman and Representative Westerman talk about economic development and the defense industry

KAIT – Lawmakers talk Natural State meat and steel industries in Jonesboro

KNWA – Boozman, Cotton tour Compass Cold Storage

I continued the conversation about improving maternal health in Arkansas during a roundtable in Bentonville:

Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - Improving Arkansas’ maternal health outcomes require collaboration and better access, panelists agree

Talk Business – Collaboration, non-traditional solutions part of better maternal health

Axios NWA – How to improve maternal health in Arkansas

Arkansas Advocate – Panelists say telemedicine, doulas could improve Arkansas’ poor maternal health outcomes

40/29 TV – Arkansas is one of the riskiest places to have a baby

KFSM – Lawmakers, health professionals say lack of resources in rural Arkansas contribute to state’s high maternal mortality rates

UAMS – UAMS’s Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., Joins Panel of Experts to Discuss Maternal Health Issues

I also celebrated the rollout of Poland’s new F-35 that will soon arrive at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith – a critical step in advancing Arkansas’s role in the defense of our nation and allies – and I also spoke at the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance Summit:

The Heber Springs Sun Times – Poland F-35s bound for Arkansas Skies

Batesville Daily Guard – Poland F-35s bound for Arkansas Skies

ED88Radio – Boozman Celebrates Poland F-35 rollout

KATV – Poland to Train on New F-35 Jets in Arkansas Under US Foreign Military Sales Program

Southwest Arkansas Today – Boozman Celebrates Poland F-35 Rollout Marks Critical Step Before Aircraft Arrival in Fort Smith

Siloam Springs Herald-Leader – Arkansas Ranks High as a Growth Site for Defense

I was proud to honor Staff Sergeant Gregory Smith with the Purple Heart at a memorable ceremony in Fort Smith:

KARK – Sen. Boozman Honors Fort Smith Veteran with Purple Heart

KNWA – Sen. Boozman Honors Fort Smith Veteran with Purple Heart

KFSM – Senator John Boozman presents Purple Heart to Arkansas Vet Injured in Iraq

Batesville Tribune – Fort Smith Community Honors Local Hero with Purple Heart

Heber Springs Sun Times – Trooper Receives Purple Heart for injuries sustained during 2020 attack Iraq

Van Buren County Democrat – Trooper Awarded Purple Heart

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently proposed a rule that has the potential to negatively impact volunteer fire departments with burdensome regulations. I met with Arkansas firefighters to hear their input and concerns:

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Boozman Meets with Firefighters in Sebastian County About Proposed OSHA Rule

KNWA – Sen. John Boozman Talks Proposed OSHA rules at Fort Smith Volunteer Fire Department

KFSM – Sebastian County Volunteer Firefighters Raise Concerns Over Proposed Changes to OSHA Regulations

40/29 TV– Firefighters Fear OSHA Regulations Could Impact Rural Departments in Arkansas

Resident News Network – Senator Boozman Discuss Proposed OSHA Rule with Sebastian County Volunteer Firefighters

Veterans face the same daily challenges we all do like finding adequate housing, family concerns, problems with an employer and other issues that sometimes require legal help. However, these problems can be exacerbated by a service-related disability or other complications unique to those who served in our nation’s uniform.

Fortunately, it is easy to connect with legal resources through the VA healthcare system and other organizations in Arkansas that help veterans navigate these situations and reach favorable outcomes.

For the last ten years, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) has partnered with Arkansas Legal Services to assist with common legal problems veterans face. This includes service-related issues such as benefit denials and discharge upgrade appeals, and also non-service issues like family law and landlord/tenant disputes.

Veterans can also contact the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at the University of Arkansas – Little Rock. The William H. Bowen School of Law program helps with compensation appeals, discharge upgrades and referrals to other lawyers and organizations that can assist with civil legal matters.

For veterans served by Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks (VHSO), Legal Aid of Arkansas has a walk-in clinic on the medical center campus two days a week. Veterans can also find information and register for legal assistance online.

I am also pleased to see the growing number of counties in our state with Veterans Treatment Courts. These voluntary, multi-phase intervention programs are specifically for veterans involved in the justice system due to underlying substance abuse or mental health disorders. Veterans can connect to these options through the Arkansas Judiciary or by reaching out to contacts with the VA’s Veterans Justice Outreach specialists.

I am proud to support resources like these and appreciate the great work Arkansans are doing to serve veterans as they have served us.

America’s National Parks continue to see a record number of visitors. Last year alone, the National Park Service reported a four percent increase with more than 325 million visits. If you are taking a summer road trip, plan ahead to make sure you aren’t left outside the gates.

As a result of the increasing demand, more locations require reservations for timed entry. At some parks, this is only for the most popular sites and peak times. However, many of our busiest parks require reservations for all park-goers as officials try to better manage resources and make sure visitors get to experience the full beauty and history of these important places.

Before you take off, be sure to do a few things:

First, check out the reservation system used by many of our parks, campgrounds and historic sites across the country at Recreation.gov. This site handles everything from a day pass at Rocky Mountain National Park to tour reservations at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Arkansas. Available dates are rolled out at different times, so check back frequently. In addition, some parks and campgrounds still handle their own booking, so be sure to check both Recreation.gov and the specific website for your destination to make sure you have the passes and information you need.

Second, consider getting an annual or lifetime pass to our National Park system. These range in price, but are less expensive if you are over 62. They are free for active military and their dependents, Americans with permanent disabilities and fourth graders nationwide.

Finally, don’t forget about Arkansas! We are blessed with beautiful state and federal parks, forests and historic sites – many of which are free to visit. The National Historic Site in Fort Smith recently announced it is now fee-free so families can enjoy the museum and walk around the grounds on the banks of the Arkansas River at no cost. In addition, the National Park Service offers several free entrance days during the year for all National Park visitors. The remaining days this year are June 19, August 4, September 28 and November 11.

I was busy traveling around the state and visiting with Arkansans about issues on their minds during the Senate’s first In-State Work Period of 2024. Here’s a round-up of the coverage from my stops in northwest, central and south Arkansas in February.

The Spector: Senator holds community meeting in Ozark

Johnson County Graphic: Senate Presentation (subscription required)

Arkansas Advocate: Arkansas ‘Lithium summit’ draws officials, business leaders to discuss nascent industry

Talk Business: ExxonMobil exec: Arkansas poised to be ‘center’ of lithium in North America

KARK: Arkansas lawmakers, medical experts hold maternal health roundtable

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Sanders rejects expanding post-pregnancy Medicaid to 12 months, says other coverage available

THV: Gov. Sarah Sanders, other officials discuss maternal health in Arkansas

KATV: Arkansas state and medical leaders address maternal health crisis to prevent deaths

Camden News: Governor Sanders joins R2S, state leaders to break ground on manufacturing facility in East Camden

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Mission expands for Camden missile plant

THV: $63 million missile production site coming to Arkansas

AR Money & Politics: State Officials Break Ground On $63M Facility In East Camden