John Boozman is Arkansas’s senior U.S. Senator and the dean of the state’s Congressional delegation.
A fifth-generation Arkansan, John was raised in Fort Smith and graduated from Northside High School. He went on to play football for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks while completing his pre-optometry requirements. He graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in 1977 and entered private practice that same year co-founding a family business with his brother that would ultimately become a major provider of eye care to Northwest Arkansas.
Why it matters: Efforts to expand renewable and traditional energy production were slow to move forward during the Obama administration. I am committed to working with President Trump to responsibly increase exploration of land under federal control, update energy-related infrastructure and increase safe traditional energy production at home.
Where I stand: We are moving quickly to correct the previous administration’s misguided policies. In the first few days of President Trump’s administration, he issued a directive to allow work on the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines to resume after the Obama administration fought every one of our attempts to get these commonsense projects completed. He has also indicated that he will work with Congress to roll back the Obama administration’s moratorium on new coal mining leases and the so-called “Clean Power Plan,” which is essentially a national tax on energy that drives up costs on hardworking families and eliminates jobs in the energy sector.
As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am committed to working with my colleagues to embrace an all-the-above approach to energy security that will encourage the responsible use of our nation’s unmatched energy resources.
While fossil fuels will continue to play an important role in the short term, we must work toward developing and expanding renewable sources of energy in order to address our current and future needs. We need to use everything our nation has been blessed with, including wind, solar, biomass and hydropower to diversify our energy portfolio. Emissions-free nuclear must also play a big role. We continue to make advancements in these areas and I support smart, responsible approaches that broaden our capability to harness natural resources to create new forms of sustainable energy.
Why it matters: While the size of the federal budget has fluctuated in recent years, the national debt has continued to climb. Washington continues to borrow and spend at an alarming rate and as a result the national debt has reached nearly $20 trillion. This is astounding and troubling. Without making the tough, responsible choices that are necessary to right the ship, we are mortgaging away our children’s and grandchildren’s futures.
Where I stand: One of the main ways we can ensure that the federal government lives within its means is to pass a mechanism that requires Congress adhere to a balanced budget, like we do in Arkansas. If we can do it in Arkansas, we can do it in Washington.
Another reform that would help to put us on a path back to fiscal responsibility would be to return to regular order. Congress should pass all 12 individual spending bills each year. We have to end the crisis-style governing that occurs when we pass short-term funding resolutions. Forcing departments and agencies to operate without knowing what resources they will have at their disposal is incredibly inefficient, shortsighted and neglectful of the current concerns and needs of the American people.
Finally, we need to get serious about entitlement reform. Entitlements are the main drivers of federal spending. Programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid account for half of the federal budget. The sooner we make reforms to mandatory spending programs, the easier it will be to ensure these programs stay solvent and remain operational for the long-term.
As we discuss possible reforms to mandatory spending, we must start with the agreement that it is unfair to change the rules of the game in the fourth quarter for those who are near to or have already reached retirement age. This is such an important issue and it will take participation from the White House, Congress and every American to reach a solution that works for seniors and future generations so we can keep the promises that the federal government makes.
We owe it to the generations of Americans who’ve sacrificed in order for our country to prosper, and that means working together to solve our problems. I am committed to working with my colleagues on both the Budget and Appropriations Committees to correct the course our nation is on by reining in Washington’s reckless spending and putting our nation back on a fiscally responsible, sustainable path.
Why it matters: The health care sector represents 18 percent of our economy. More importantly, it impacts the bottom line of every American. The average American spends over $10,000 annually on health care expenses and experts expect that to continue to rise. Obamacare has failed to live up to its promises to fix the crisis, and we must replace it with a system that ensures access to affordable, quality care for every American.
Where I stand: I am committed to working with my colleagues to establish a patient-centered health care system that truly is affordable, not just in name but in practice, and actually works for the American people. The working draft being considered by the Senate is one attempt to fix this broken system. The fact that the initial vote was pulled shows that Senate leadership understands there are a number of concerns within the caucus about the original working draft.
My colleagues and I are continuing to meet in an effort to overcome these differences and revise the plan. We are discussing possible amendments that will improve the existing framework as we continue to work toward improving healthcare for all Americans.
As the process moves forward, I will continue to review updates made to the language, as well as the reports on its potential impact produced by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). I continue to consult with Governor Hutchinson and get important feedback from Arkansans about how this proposal affects families in our state.
I remain committed to repairing our health care system and returning power to individuals. We must put into place a system that ensures access to affordable, quality care for every American.
Our country’s porous borders have allowed millions of immigrants to come to the United States illegally. It is a serious crisis in need of a serious legislative solution.
The previous administration wrongly sought to solve this issue without the input of Congress. The path to true immigration reform is to work with Congress, not around us. It starts with securing our borders. We must stop allowing individuals to enter the country illegally without recourse. We must hold those who break the law accountable. We must put the safety and security of Americans first. I am optimistic that President Trump will approach the issue with that mindset.
Protecting our southern border must be our first priority. The fact that our border can be penetrated so easily leaves us vulnerable to national security threats and has resulted in an influx of criminal activity, especially as it relates to narcotics and human trafficking. We must begin enforcing the immigration laws already on the books. The death of Kathryn (Kate) Steinle—who was killed by an illegal immigrant who had previously been convicted for seven felonies and had been previously deported five times—shows when local officials ignore federal immigration law and shield illegal immigrants from deportation, Americans are put at risk.
Similarly, we must properly and thoroughly vet those seeking to come to this country through every channel, including those seeking sanctuary from war-torn countries like Syria. The United States has a long history of providing sanctuary to refugees fleeing from persecution. However, Arkansans are rightfully concerned that our nation does not have an effective plan to protect Americans from radical Islamic extremism here at home, especially in light of the Islamic State’s attempts to infiltrate the refugee populations that are seeking haven in Europe and the United States.
While national security must be the top priority when reforming our immigration system, the economic security of American citizens must also be protected. That is why I support efforts to hold employers accountable to ensure they are hiring legal workers and oppose efforts to provide amnesty to illegal immigrants.
We are a nation of immigrants and must remain welcoming to those who want to achieve the American Dream. We should be proud of our record to naturalize those who immigrate here legally. We naturalize more new citizens per year than the rest of the world combined. However, it is vital that we enforce the law and ensure the safety and security of our nation. That must remain the top priority for lawmakers in Washington.
Why it matters: Our national economy thrives in part because of how inter-connected the United States has been throughout its history. The ability to efficiently move goods and services across the country is a critical factor as to why the U.S. has been able to compete and thrive within the global marketplace.
Where I stand: As my colleagues and I on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee develop legislation to address our nation’s infrastructure needs, we are stressing to the administration that it is time to broaden the scope of traditional infrastructure investment.
Ensuring Washington does not lose sight of the fact that our infrastructure needs go well beyond the traditional focus has long been a priority for me. That's why I introduced the Securing Required Funding for Water Infrastructure Now (SRF WIN) Act, an innovative approach to helping communities of all sizes, in every state, secure loans so they can improve their crumbling infrastructure. It is also the reason I joined my co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus to press President Trump to include initiatives to promote the deployment of high-speed, reliable broadband for all Americans as part of any infrastructure initiative.
The traditional three R’s of infrastructure must certainly be a major focus of the overall infrastructure plan. There are several reasons for us to invest seriously in our roads, rails and runways in the immediate future.
At the top of the list is safety. Some of our roads and bridges are actually beginning to crumble and deteriorate. We’ve employed temporary measures that have succeeded in repairing and rebuilding many of these deficiencies in the short term, but upgrading and enhancing them is a better and more cost-effective long-term solution. There is also an economic reason as well. The quality of a state’s infrastructure is near the top of the list of factors that business owners consider when deciding where to locate a business or enterprise.
Our infrastructure needs can’t be a partisan issue. Now is the time to push ahead and make sensible, productive investments in our nation’s infrastructure. Doing so now will ultimately save money in the long term. It will also help our economy grow and equip our country to remain competitive in the global economy in the years ahead.
Why it matters: Arkansans deserve well-paying, sustainable employment and, with the right policies, Washington can help our state achieve that. Given the right tools and circumstances, small businesses can and will create good paying jobs for the people of Arkansas.
Where I stand: In order to foster an economic environment where job creation thrives, policymakers must promote an agenda that encourages growth and innovation—not stifles it. That is why we have begun to roll back a number of Obama-era regulations that stifle economic growth and job creation. When agencies overregulate, our economic growth comes to a grinding halt because job creation cannot happen in an environment of uncertainty.
Along with repealing unnecessary regulations, our antiquated tax code needed to be overhauled to foster economic growth and help hardworking Arkansans succeed. That is why passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 [P.L. 115-97] will help push our economic recovery across the finish line. This new law will help our economy grow by permanently reducing the corporate tax rate, which was the highest in the developed world, allowing American businesses to be more competitive and keep well-paying jobs here at home. I will continue to work with my colleagues on ways to simplify the tax code and allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned income.
America is also held back in the global economy by trade barriers that must be eased. Arkansas’s businesses and manufacturers must be able to compete and Washington can do more to encourage that by pursuing fair trade agreements. Opening new markets, such as Cuba, will go a long way toward eliminating the significant competitive disadvantage Arkansas agriculture, manufacturing and small businesses currently face with our international trading partners.
Congress also has a role in ensuring that Arkansans have every opportunity to compete in today’s workforce. An educated, highly-skilled workforce that reflects the modern workplace is key to attracting world-class companies to our state. That’s why we are working in Washington to grow science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) opportunities, as well as career and technical education (CTE) programs, to get more young Arkansans prepared for the future. Similarly, we must commit to post-secondary education workforce training programs that give Arkansans the skills to be gainfully employed in high-paying, skilled jobs.
These are all commonsense ideas with widespread support in Congress. I am committed to working with my colleagues to see them enacted.
Why it matters: The federal government’s number one responsibility is to protect the American people from the multitude of threats our nation faces.
These are all threats to U.S. security that cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, the Obama administration has left us ill-equipped to confront these realities. During President Obama’s tenure, our military has atrophied to the smallest it has been in decades and are operating weapons and equipment that, in many cases, are older than the service members using them. When the Air Force is flying B-52 bombers that are 55 years-old, our military clearly is in dire need of modernization. That’s just one example of a problem that stretches across every branch of the military. Our military's readiness has also been impacted by draw downs to active duty manpower. The broken budget process has further exacerbated our military’s readiness, inhibiting the services ability to plan with any certainty—forcing our military to spend more to do less.
Where I stand: We are a nation at war. Congress must do a better job of deciding how taxpayer dollars are spent so our military leaders can confront today’s threats head-on while planning for the future. We must return to regular order to put an end to the chronic budget uncertainty makes it difficult on military planning and purchases.
We must consider sanctions and other tools aimed at changing the behaviors of rogue regimes. Congress has already taken this proactive approach to addressing threats from Russia, North Korea and Iran.
It is time for us to change course before it is too late. I stand ready to continue to work my colleagues and President Trump to ensure that Americans are protected from these threats.
Regulations that protect consumers, borrowers and the environment improve the quality of life for all Americans. They ensure we have safe food to eat, access to credit at fair rates and clean air to breathe. We grant the government the ability to make these regulations; but in doing so, we entrust the government to make sensible regulations that do not encroach on our freedoms.
When agencies over-regulate, our economic growth comes to a grinding halt. Overbearing, excessive regulations take farmers away from tending to their crops, slow the lines at manufacturing plants and sap resources that could otherwise be put toward hiring more Americans. Someone who normally would be doing work that creates revenue is taken off task for a considerable amount of time to fill out burdensome paperwork.
Overregulation became the norm during President Obama’s administration. Rather than working with Congress—the direct representatives of the American people—to resolve our country’s issues, President Obama used the regulatory process to enact his own agenda. Under his direction, agencies issued regulations at such a rapid pace that the New York Times dubbed him the “Regulator-in-Chief.”
The constant flow of rules from Pennsylvania Avenue during President Obama’s tenure continuously thwarted Main Street’s attempts to get our economy moving again. One agency alone, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was responsible for regulations over the past eight years that cost the economy over $344 billion. Not content to fade quietly into the night, the Obama administration issued hundreds of rules that came with a price tag of $159 billion in the short time between Election Day and President Trump’s inauguration.
Fortunately, the new administration appears to understand how detrimental poorly-drafted regulations are to our economic growth and Congress has begun the process of repealing the most misguided ones by considering resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act. I am committed to working to restore commonsense to the regulatory process and correct the mistakes caused by the Obama administration’s heavy-handed and harsh overregulation.
"Confirming cabinet nominees is another important step that the Senate will play in this process. The new administration shares this view of overregulation and is putting forth nominees who will work support our efforts to address it. Scott Pruitt, the new Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a perfect example of a someone who will be a strong partner in our efforts.”—Sen. John Boozman, "Rolling Back Regulations," Feb. 22
“The CFPB is in desperate need of reform. The agency’s structure, as established by the Dodd-Frank Act, lacks transparency and accountability. Given that the rules and regulations made by this agency impact the lives of millions of Americans, there must be Congressional oversight.”—Sen. John Boozman, "Boozman Leads Efforts to Hold CFPB Accountable," Feb. 16
"Our farmers and ranchers understand this and are excellent stewards of the environment from which they earn their livelihood. Unfortunately, they are often boxed out of voluntary conservation programs to help accomplish this goal. We can help them protect our shared resources by removing the bureaucratic barriers that keep family farmers from participating in these programs."—Sen. John Boozman, "Boozman, Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Voluntary Farm Conservation Programs," Feb. 16
"For the past eight years, EPA has acted as a political arm of the Obama administration. Time and time again we have seen rules develop not based on sound science but political ideology. When rules are being released, states and [the] private sector and even Congress have had trouble getting EPA to show the science that helped develop these rules.”—Sen. John Boozman, “Boozman Urges EPA Transparency in Confirmation Hearing,” Jan. 18
“Finally, one of the most pressing items on the agenda will be to undo many of the regulations created under the Obama administration that are harming the economy and stifling job creation. Reversing these regulations is going to be a top priority in Congress because it is critical to getting our economy moving in the right direction.”—Sen. John Boozman, “Looking Ahead: What's in Store for 2017,” Jan. 4
As the son of an Air Force Master Sergeant, I learned at an early age about the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, as well as the unique challenges military families face. I brought these values with me to Washington where I am committed to enhancing the quality of life for both our veterans and their families.
To say that our veterans have lost faith in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is an understatement. The systematic, widespread problems at VA medical centers across the nation is at the root of this crisis of confidence. Accountability must be restored at VA, which is why the CHOICE ACT [P.L. 113-146] was passed into law. Among other things, the law gives the VA Secretary the authority to fire or demote senior VA employees for poor performance, providing a mechanism to remove or demote managers who fail our veterans.
Ensuring access to health care services is another key reform in the CHOICE Act. Veterans must have the ability to seek care outside of the system when they live a distance from a VA facility or if their facilities fail to provide them with reliable, timely and high-quality health care services.
While the CHOICE Act is a good start to reforming VA’s health care system, more work remains to be done. Improving services for veterans struggling with mental illness is one area where lawmakers need to continue to focus our attention. We must continue to increase access to mental health programs, provide care for veterans struggling with opioid addiction and improve resources for members of the military transitioning to civilian life. We also must strengthen and improve the CHOICE program, taking into account lessons learned and ensuring the future viability of community care.
Fighting for our veterans doesn’t start and end with their healthcare needs. In this particularly difficult economy, I remain committed to making sure veterans have all the economic opportunities they deserve. This means fighting for jobs and education benefits for veterans and improving programs that help homeless veterans find housing and a path forward to a stable life.
Serving our country in uniform is an extremely noble undertaking that all-too-often goes under-appreciated and unnoticed. I am committed to working hard for the veterans in Arkansas and will use my assignments on the Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Appropriations Committee’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee to affect legislation and funding that serves all veterans.
Why it matters: Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, adding around $16 billion to our economy every year and accounting for approximately one in every six jobs. Rice, soybeans, cotton, poultry and feed grains are particular staples of our state’s agriculture economy.
Where I stand: As a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry Committee, I am committed to advocating for Southern—and especially Arkansas—agriculture to make certain that farmers and ranchers have the proper tools to be successful.
One major way to accomplish that is to ensure that the reauthorization of the 2014 Farm Bill—which expires on September 30, 2018—is fair, equitable and addresses the key needs of farmers and ranchers. Programs authorized by this law are vital to making sure that, as a nation, we do not become dependent on other countries for our food supply. The important risk management tools in the Farm Bill allow Arkansas’s family farms to compete in a high-risk, heavily subsidized global marketplace.
Similarly, our farmers need access to markets in order to sell their products. One market that is ripe for Arkansas products is Cuba, which imports nearly 80 percent of its food annually—including about 400,000 tons of rice. Allowing agricultural goods to be sold on credit through private financing, as my bipartisan bill the Agricultural Export Expansion Act would do, could open Cuba’s market to cheaper, better-quality food produced in Arkansas. This would be a true win-win scenario.
The Farm Bill and smart trade opportunities aren’t the only ways we can support and help advance the agriculture industry in Arkansas. Developing nutrition policies that help fight hunger and poverty are also important, and I’m working to make sure that America’s children have access to nutritious meals at school and during the summer. I’m also supporting rural development initiatives, including rural broadband expansion, that will enhance and improve the quality of life in rural communities that are such an important part of our state.
Why it matters: From ISIS to North Korea, Iran to Russia, there are no shortage of threats to our national security. While a strong military is the first line of defense, a highly respected America on the international stage likewise strengthens our security here at home. U.S. leadership through diplomacy and trade, coordinated with our allies, helps achieve that goal while preventing situations that lead to serious threats to our national security.
Where I stand: Strong relationships with our NATO allies and steadfast partners around the world, such as Israel and South Korea, are vital to confronting the security and economic challenges of the 21st century. Maintaining an open global dialogue helps protect and advance our foreign policy goals as we strive to expand our democratic ideals and shape policies to protect our interests—and those of our allies—abroad. Through skillful diplomacy, the U.S. has, among other things, reduced global arms and narcotics trafficking; helped fight human trafficking; protected the rights of all to practice their faith; and eliminated suffering from food insecurity and global health epidemics.
Resolving crises through diplomacy prevents them from escalating while reducing human suffering around the world. This doesn’t mean throwing money or military personnel into conflict zones. Instead, what we need to do is continue taking a lead in coordinating relief with non-governmental organizations and our international partners like the World Food Program and the World Health Organization. Aid that has proven effective channels the dedication and compassion of doers, not takers. We should continue to promote effective programs that save lives and build goodwill for the U.S. around the globe.
For a good example of how the U.S. can make a difference by following this approach, look toward the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—two successful programs established by President George W. Bush in the early 2000’s. Taking steps as simple as providing mosquito nets, clean water and treatments have saved countless lives and has prevented global health crises from spreading across sub-Saharan Africa. These types of innovative efforts deserve the commitment necessary to succeed.
Similarly, fair trade deals, when properly negotiated, should be given a chance to succeed. The benefits of fair trade deals go far beyond just helping our economy by allowing U.S. manufacturers, agricultural producers and small businesses to compete in today’s global marketplace. Fair trade agreements also help keep Americans safe. Properly negotiated agreements allow us to not only trade goods, but ideas with nations that may not always share our ideals. In doing so, we can remain competitive and create jobs at home, while pushing for human rights and democratic change.
Why it matters: Keeping Americans safe at home is one of the federal government’s most important responsibilities. Since 9/11, as a nation, we have been required to live with a heightened sense of awareness about the threats facing our homeland. Washington must work to mitigate those threats to the extent that is possible.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is at the forefront of this effort. DHS faces diverse and unique challenges in this mission. It is charged with, among other things, ensuring our borders, ports and waterways are properly secured; preventing the threat of homegrown terrorism and the spread of radicalism; responding to natural disasters; protecting our infrastructure; and combating cybercrimes.
Where I stand: The mission of DHS is critical to the safety and security of the American people. I support robust and thorough measures that allow the men and women working at DHS to successfully carry it out. I am committed to ensuring that the federal government is doing everything within its constitutional power and authority to defend our country and protect the homeland. We can and must make every effort to ensure that our law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources they need to protect us.
Why it matters: For too long, middle-class Arkansans have struggled in an economy that feels like it is stuck in neutral. An outdated, inefficient and ineffective tax code has played a large role in holding back a full economic recovery.
Where I stand: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 [P.L. 115-97] is the push our economic recovery needs to get across the finish line.
This new law will help hardworking Arkansans keep more of their money in their own pockets by nearly doubling the standard deduction, lowering rates and eliminating loopholes. By permanently reducing the corporate tax rate, currently the highest in the developed world, we will make American businesses more competitive and keep well-paying jobs here at home.
I am committed to ensuring the changes we made to the tax code help increase economic activity, address our national debt and create jobs. Americans deserve a commonsense, straightforward tax system that is easy to understand and will encourage savings and investment. I am confident the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will accomplish those goals.
I will continue to work with my colleagues on ways to simplify the tax code and allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned income.