This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Sept. 21, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your weekly look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

There is still time for Congress to pass a funding measure averting a government shutdown at month's end, but the chances of such an event on Oct. 1 increased last Friday.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a short-term funding measure keeping the government open through Nov. 21, but the Senate rejected this proposal and an alternative Democratic measure.

The Senate and House do not have any scheduled votes this week; both chambers are away from Capitol Hill for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

STORY: Arkansas’ federal lawmakers back spending measures, but shutdown threat still looms

When Congress resumes legislative business in Washington, lawmakers will face growing pressure to provide farmers with economic relief.

Operations in Arkansas and across the country have struggled to remain open given low crop prices and rising input costs.

During a telephone town hall last week, Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., shared a willingness to consider agricultural assistance later this year.

STORY: Arkansas Congressman French Hill open to backing financial assistance for farmers

Thank you for supporting "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 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!

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Sept. 7, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Two Arkansas agricultural leaders spent part of last week in Washington, D.C., urging the Trump administration and Congress to take action to help farmers in the Natural State.

Joe Mencer and Andrew Grobmyer, officials with the Agricultural Council of Arkansas, participated in multiple meetings regarding possible economic assistance for producers. Mencer and Grobmyer traveled to the nation's capital as farms and other operations continue to struggle with low crop prices and elevated production costs.

The recent Republican tax and spending package made adjustments to federal agricultural programs, but farmers will not notice these changes until the fall of 2026.

STORY: Arkansas farm advocates visit Washington to call for financial aid

We are six months away from Arkansas' primary election, and candidates are already preparing their pitches to voters.

Zack Huffman, of Little Rock, is running as a Democrat in Arkansas' 2nd Congressional District. A former teacher, Huffman said he felt motivated to run for office as the Trump administration began its efforts to dismantle the Department of Education.

STORY: Little Rock’s Zack Huffman seeks Democratic nomination to face Rep. French Hill in 2nd District

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!