This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of August 17, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

It's been more than a month since President Donald Trump signed Republicans' tax and spending package into law.

Much of the attention surrounding the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act has been focused on its preservation of the first Trump presidency's tax breaks and changes to Medicaid and nutrition assistance, but the law has also delivered a significant update to the agricultural programs.

Farmers and other producers have been pushing for congressional action addressing these programs for multiple years amid a period of low reference prices, high input costs and inflation.

Check Monday's edition of the Democrat-Gazette for the full article.

The previous episode of "Arkies in the Beltway" highlighted the possibility of a government shutdown in September.

Members of Congress have another reason to approve the annual appropriations measures next month: These spending bills will include millions of dollars for projects in their states and districts.

Senators and House members can make these requests for federal funds, also known as earmarks, as part of Congress' annual appropriations process.

STORY: Arkansas lawmakers aim to bring federal funds to Natural State with project requests

Thank you for checking out "Arkies in the Beltway!" 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!

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of August 10, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., is back in the United States after leading a bipartisan congressional delegation on a trip to Israel.

Crawford, of Jonesboro, and colleagues held multiple discussions with Israeli officials regarding Israel's military efforts against Hamas militants, as well as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The congressional trip occurred as Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was in Israel as part of an overseas trade mission.

STORY: Crawford: Israelis doing ‘phenomenal job’ getting aid to Palestinians, but Hamas is in way

The August recess might be in full swing, but many lawmakers are already preparing for what awaits Congress in September.

The Senate and House of Representatives will have four weeks to pass all 12 appropriations measures or some other spending agreement to avert a government shutdown on Oct. 1.

Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., has already expressed his disinterest in considering a continuing resolution to fund the government into the new fiscal year.

STORY: Arkansas lawmakers say they’re tired of short-term spending bills passed under threat of shutdown

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 more developments from the nation's capital!

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of August 3, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Capitol Hill will be quiet for the foreseeable future as members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives take part in their annual August recess. Members of the House left Washington, D.C., on July 23 as House Republican leaders tried to avoid votes over files concerning financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Senators remained at the Capitol for an additional week for votes and other business, including a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee hearing on the Department of Agriculture's proposed reorganization plan.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee.

STORY: USDA official justifies reorganization strategy; Arkansas' John Boozman weighs in on it

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 more developments from the nation's capital!