Last night, the House passed nine veterans bills, all of which are important to Congress achieving its goal of creating a more efficient Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that not only provides the best care for our veterans, but also is more accountable to taxpayers.

I had the opportunity last week to discuss congressional priorities for the VA with John Biedrzycki, National Commander of the VFW, when he visited North Little Rock. Commander Biedrzycki is a fine ambassador for his fellow veterans and a real example of the legacy of leadership that American veterans and military personnel have established since the Revolutionary War.

And, last Thursday, alongside my friend of nearly three decades and former Secretary of the Navy Will Ball, I had the honor and privilege to meet with some of America’s future military leaders, on my visit to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, to have dinner with the midshipmen from the Second Congressional District at the Academy.

Our state is well represented at the Academy, and it was a real honor to be able to spend the evening with so many great Arkansans. While we were eating pizza in Bancroft Hall (the largest dormitory in America), I reminded the students, some of whom I have known since they were children, that they will be the best-trained, best-prepared naval officers in American history and that I am so proud of them for their willingness to serve this great nation.

With enemies who are determined to bring destruction to our borders, all Americans should feel a little safer knowing that the men and women who are serving and those who are currently training to serve are the best, brightest, and most skilled warfighters in the world. And those who are fighting our wars deserve the peace of mind that they will be greeted by an efficient VA that will take care of their individual needs when they return home from their missions.  

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill

“Spending the past three decades in the investment industry, I have witnessed firsthand ETFs skyrocket. Yet despite their increased popularity, there is little research on ETFs due to anomalies in the securities laws. My commonsense bill would clarify the law and allow broker-dealers to publish ETF research, allowing investors to access useful information in this rapidly growing market. I appreciate Chairman Hensarling’s and the Congress’ efforts to promote capital formation, reduce unnecessary burdens, and grow jobs and the economy and was proud to support this bill.”