Week of June 22, 2025

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 22, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions. Members of the Natural State's congressional delegation have voiced support for President Donald Trump and the decision to strike three Iranian sites. The military action occurred more than a week into the Israel-Iran conflict. Republican Rep. Rick Crawford — the chair of the House Intelligence Committee — said the United States, Israel and other nations are "making it clear that the world would never accept Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon." Sen. Tom Cotton — a fellow Republican who leads the Senate Intelligence Committee — said he hopes Iran heeds the president's warning and reconsiders any ideas of retaliatory attacks against Americans. Meanwhile, the Senate parliamentarian has ruled against several provisions of Senate Republicans' tax and spending proposal, including language from the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and the committee had proposed modifications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and agriculture programs, but the Senate parliamentarian has determined some changes violate the Senate's rules on considering budgetary measures. STORY: Senate parliamentarian’s decision sets up roadblock for GOP’s planned SNAP changes Boozman, of Rogers, and two fellow Arkansans — Cotton, of Little Rock, and Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark. — continue their campaign to protect the Pine Bluff Arsenal in Jefferson County. Boozman and Cotton pressed defense officials about the U.S Army's organic industrial base last week in separate hearings. Westerman and Army officials toured the Pine Bluff Arsenal; the Hot Springs congressman said he hopes the tour provided insight into the installation's importance in filling white phosphorus munitions. STORY: Boozman, Cotton, Westerman continue push to protect Pine Bluff Arsenal Thank you 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!