This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Sept. 14, 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 Arkansas' congressional delegation were among the public officials who condemned political violence following last Wednesday's assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

STORY: Arkansas political leaders react to shooting death of Charlie Kirk

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., furthered his push for changing the federal permitting system as the House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee began consideration of the SPEED Act.

Westerman, of Hot Springs, and Maine Democrat Jared Golden introduced the measure in late July. The bill aims to shorten the permitting process by, in part, limiting environmental reviews to a project's proximate impact.

Most Democratic committee members criticized the SPEED Act, arguing the measure would diminish accountability in exchange for expediting energy and infrastructure projects.

STORY: U.S. House committee considers legislation to improve federal permit process, including Westerman’s SPEED Act

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 more developments from the nation's capital!