Week of November 23, 2025

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Nov. 23, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions. The Justice Department has less than 30 days to release unclassified records about Jeffrey Epstein. President Donald Trump signed legislation last Wednesday requiring the department to publish information about Epstein, his criminal activities and his 2019 death at a New York City prison. Arkansas Republicans Rick Crawford, French Hill and Bruce Westerman joined almost every other House member in supporting legislation requiring the release. The Senate approved the bill through a unanimous consent motion. STORY: U.S. House overwhelmingly passes bill to release Epstein files, including Crawford, Hill and Westerman Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., missed votes last week. The Rogers congressman was away from Capitol Hill because of a serious medical issue involving a family member. Womack had the House's longest active voting streak, casting 8,823 consecutive votes between Jan. 5, 2011, and last Monday. STORY: Womack’s voting streak ends after more than 8,800 votes Westerman, of Hot Springs, wants the House to consider his permitting legislation before Congress takes its late December holiday break. The House Natural Resources Committee has favorably reported the SPEED Act to the full chamber. Westerman and Maine Democrat Jared Golden introduced the measure in late July. The Hot Springs congressman also chairs the House committee. The SPEED Act would limit environmental reviews for energy and infrastructure projects. Westerman hopes this change will expedite environmental assessments and help companies complete projects at a faster rate. STORY: Westerman helps advance House bill to speed infrastructure permits, scale back environmental assessments Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is pushing the Department of Agriculture to speed up its review of potential economic assistance for farmers. The department has been studying relief options as farming operations in Arkansas and across the country struggle due to low crop prices, high input costs and changing trade dynamics. STORY: Cotton asks U.S. Agriculture Secretary to speed up relief for farmers Thank you for listening to "Arkies in the Beltway!" Our next episode will be Dec. 7, as senators and House members are spending this week away from Capitol Hill for Thanksgiving. In the meantime, you can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on Bluesky for more developments from the nation's capital!