Roughly six months after the brutal attacks by the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists, the world watched as Iran launched its own direct and unprecedented attack on Israel. As our closest ally in the Middle East faces more threats to their very existence, it’s important now more than ever that Congress stands up to authoritarian aggression to support Israel.
While I’m sure words of well wishes for our ally are appreciated, it’s sound and expeditious policy that will make an impact in Israel’s fight to defend itself. That’s why House Republicans acted swiftly this week to bring a slate of bills, including several I co-sponsored, to stand with Israel and respond to Iran’s heinous attacks.
It’s known that Iran is one of the world’s foremost sponsors of terrorism. Yet in 2008, the Obama administration set an unruly precedent of appeasing Iran, which President Joe Biden has compounded since he took office.
Most recently, as the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists were planning their attacks, the Biden administration waived sanctions to allow $6 billion in Iranian funds to be transferred to banks in Qatar and later reissued a waiver that gave Iran access to more than $10 billion. The Iranian regime is highly skilled in evasion, cutting corners and blurring lines to hide the true use of these funds, and the Biden administration is compliant and complicit in these efforts. Any funding given to Iran, even if nominally in a restricted account, frees up funds for them to use on malign activities. Iran is too potent a threat for these waivers to exist any longer, so the House voted to pass a bill I co-sponsored, HR 5947, to eliminate any waivers and licenses related to Iran that would allow Biden to take such actions again.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
I will not stand by while the Biden administration continues to show weakness on the world stage.
I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance comprehensive policies to prioritize the security of the U.S. and our allies.
CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
The deadline for students to submit artwork for the Congressional Art Competition is next Thursday, April 25. All high school students are encouraged to participate and have their artistic talents recognized on the national stage. Students should visit my website, westerman.house.gov/services/art-competition to read the rules and guidelines and send their artwork to my Hot Springs, Pine Bluff or El Dorado office to participate. An expert panel of judges will judge the artwork, and the winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
MOBILE OFFICE HOURS
As a reminder, my staff is regularly hosting mobile offices across Arkansas’ Fourth District to meet with you in your home county and assist you with federal agency-related issues.
At each mobile office, staff will be available to assist you with casework matters related to passports, Social Security, U.S. Postal Service, Veterans Affairs and other federal agency-related issues. Next week, mobile offices will be held in Miller, Hot Spring, Ouachita, Grant and Cleveland counties.
To view more upcoming mobile office dates and locations, visit westerman.house.gov/mobile-office-hours. Call (501) 609-9796 or visit westerman.house.gov/contact if you have questions.
PONY UP ACT
I’ve heard countless complaints from Arkansans who have been victims of failure by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
Prescriptions aren’t being delivered, packages are missing and bills are being delivered well past their due date. My staff and I have had several meetings with the USPS on many of these issues, yet the USPS has not resolved them.
If the Postal Service makes a mistake that impacts you, they should have to own up to it. That’s why I’m co-sponsoring the Pony Up Act to require the USPS to reimburse any fees charged for the late payment of bills that were delayed in the mail. I hope this bipartisan bill will be a wake-up call for the USPS to get back on track and adequately serve the American people.
TITLE IX IN JEOPARDY
Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of the U.S. House of Representatives passing HR 734, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. I was proud to co-sponsor this legislation to protect the integrity and fairness of women’s athletics from the far left’s woke agenda.
On Friday, the Biden administration announced a rule that redefines the definition of a “woman.” The finalized rule will require schools to allow biological males to participate in athletic activities and clubs designated for women. This decision ignores the fundamental biological differences between men and women and undoes years of progress made under Title IX.
I’m calling on the Biden administration to rescind this rule and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass HR 734 to protect the integrity of female athletics.
OVERNIGHT CAMPING AT ALBERT PIKE
In case you missed it, last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the EXPLORE Act, legislation I authored to expand outdoor recreation opportunities nationwide.
I included comprehensive and responsible policies in EXPLORE to ensure that the Forest Service reopens overnight camping and better manages the Albert Pike Recreation Area. Since overnight camping at Albert Pike was suspended, I’ve heard from countless constituents who are disappointed with the decision and frustrated with the latest mismanagement of the site.
I’m proud to champion the EXPLORE Act to ensure that outdoorsmen and women can safely enjoy their favorite recreation sites, like Albert Pike, for generations to come. I look forward to the Senate passing the EXPLORE Act and the president signing it into law. Click here to learn more about EXPLORE, or click here to learn more about the provisions to reopen overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area.