Week of May 11, 2025

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of May 11, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions. House Republicans continue their work on Capitol Hill to finalize a budget package cutting the deficit and extending the 2017 tax cuts. The House Natural Resources Committee — led by Arkansan Bruce Westerman — approved its portion of the proposal last week. The committee's legislation seeks to generate $18.5 billion in savings and new revenue over the next 10 years. STORY: Westerman, U.S. House committee approves energy-focused legislation aimed at boosting production and reducing deficit Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., led the House Intelligence Committee on its release of a report assessing the FBI's investigation into the June 2017 congressional baseball shooting outside of Washington. Crawford, of Jonesboro, and the committee determined the FBI was incorrect in its assessment of the attack being a "suicide by cop," noting the agency's own evidence showing the shooting was an act of domestic terrorism. STORY: Crawford, House Intelligence Committee blast FBI for assessment of 2017 baseball shooting One Arkansas farmer is seeking a chance to challenge Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., in next year's Senate race. Hallie Shoffner has helped with managing her family's farm near Newport since 2016, but following their decision to close the operation amid a tough agricultural economy, she says she wants to help Arkansans like her who feel their voices remain unheard. STORY: Sixth-generation Arkansas farmer plans to challenge Cotton for U.S. Senate Thank you for listening to "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!