Week of Feb. 23, 2025

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of February 23, 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. Members of the Senate and House of Representatives have budget resolutions on their minds. The House returns to Capitol Hill on Monday in the wake of senators approving a $340 billion financial blueprint. The plan calls for a $150 billion boost to defense spending and a $175 billion increase for border security in conjunction with reduced spending across multiple areas. Sens. John Boozman, of Rogers, and Tom Cotton, of Little Rock, joined 50 other Senate Republicans in supporting the budget resolution on Friday. Speaking of Cotton, Arkansas' junior senator just released a new book. "Seven Things You Can't Say About China" analyzes China's growing international prowess, as well as Cotton's concerns the nation could supersede the United States as the world's dominant political power. STORY: New Cotton book expresses concerns with China 'close to parity' with U.S. Thanks for checking out 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!