The Senate confirmed Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday. Judge Barrett has demonstrated that she is eminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. Her resume is impeccable. Her demeanor is calm and unshakeable. Perhaps most importantly, her understanding of the role shows she will be a fair-minded and thoughtful jurist who steers clear of the practice of legislating from the bench. I congratulate Justice Barrett on this honor to serve her country on the high court.

Advocating for Targeted COVID-19 Relief 

Last week, I voted to advance a targeted COVID-19 relief bill focused on getting Americans back to work, back to school and back to some sense of normalcy. This legislation would enhance policies that were widely supported in the Senate earlier this year.

The Senate bill included additional funding and resources to schools and child care facilities so parents can get back to work while having a place to send their children, which is critical to economic recovery.

Unfortunately, for the second time in a month, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer blocked a targeted relief bill. Instead of working across the aisle to pass this bill, Senate Democrats continue to assert that Speaker Pelosi’s bill—which comes with a multi-trillion-dollar price tag, and funds programs which have nothing to do with COVID-19 needs—is all they will accept.

Congress worked together to provide quick relief to families, businesses and the medical community in the early stages of the COVID-19 health emergency. Americans are relying on lawmakers to continue delivering assistance to help them meet the challenges they face as a result of this crisis. 
 

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been a lifeline for Arkansas small businesses. Many businesses continue to experience hardships, but we can build on the strong foundation we established earlier this year to support long-term economic recovery by allowing the hardest-hit small businesses to receive an additional round of PPP funding. I support providing more resources, strengthening oversight and simplifying the loan forgiveness application to help keep hardworking Americans employed and businesses in operation. This is something Republicans and Democrats agreed on earlier this year and we must continue working together to strengthen the program.
 

Congratulations World Food Program

The World Food Program (WFP), the largest humanitarian organization focused on global hunger and food security, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month. The organization’s executive director, David Beasley, is a good friend of mine. His commitment to serving a higher calling is inspirational. I couldn’t be more pleased that the spotlight is pointed on the work of the WFP under David’s dedicated leadership.

Eliminating hunger at home and abroad takes U.S. leadership. As a co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I’m leading efforts to highlight the circumstances of those suffering from food insecurity and find solutions that bring upon meaningful change. There is a great deal of work to be done and I am confident the WFP will continue to inspire us to solve hunger.

  
Angels in Adoption

I am honored to recognize Dawn Curtis and her late husband Danny Curtis as 2020 Angels in Adoption award recipients. The Curtis family is an amazing example of putting love into action. Their personal commitment changed the lives of the children they brought into their family and serves as an inspiration for others as to the impact of foster care and adoption. I appreciate the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute for recognizing organizations and individuals like Dawn and Danny who open their hearts and homes to children in need.

Salute to Arkansas Veterans

In the latest edition of ‘Salute to Veterans,’ my series honoring the service and sacrifice of Arkansans who served in uniform, we highlighted the service of Pine Bluff WWII veteran Fulton Walker who served as a truck driver with the famous Red Ball Express.

The operation was primarily manned by African Americans and, for 82 days and nights in 1944, the Red Ball Express convoyed much needed supplies to Allied forces in Europe. It played a vital role in helping bring an end to the war on the continent. Mr. Walker shared his memories about his military service for the Veterans History Project.