Week of Feb. 16, 2025

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of February 16, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, the Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with a look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions. The Senate last week continued its consideration of President Donald Trump's picks for his administration. Senators confirmed Brooke Rollins as agriculture secretary, Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services. Sens. John Boozman, of Rogers, and Tom Cotton, of Little Rock, joined most of their Republican colleagues in supporting the nominations. STORY: U.S. Senate confirms Rollins as agriculture secretary; Boozman hails her as 'advocate' for farmers STORY: Boozman, Cotton support Gabbard as national intelligence director Two members of Arkansas' congressional delegation are backing Trump's decision to implement tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Cotton and Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., were vocal in the last Congress in pushing for more action to protect American producers from foreign goods entering the United States. Crawford, of Jonesboro, serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Steel Caucus. STORY: Cotton, Crawford voice support for Trump action on steel, aluminum An Arkansas electricity cooperative leader testified before House members on the federal permitting process. Buddy Hasten, president and chief executive officer of Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, told lawmakers last Tuesday that current guidance hinders efforts to ensure Americans have access to sufficient energy services. STORY: Arkansas electricity leader calls for reviewing federal regulations with projects Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., wants the Federal Reserve to take steps to confront inflation. Hill, of Little Rock, addressed Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell during a House Financial Services Committee hearing last Wednesday on the matter. Hill serves as the committee's chair. STORY: Powell “not in a hurry” to make interest rate cuts, Hill wants more done on inflation Thanks for listening to this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on BlueSky for developments from the nation's capital!