Pulaski Times

The 119th Congress has commenced with a substantial agenda aimed at benefiting Arkansas and the broader United States. U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has set an ambitious schedule, planning to keep the Senate in session for 173 days in 2025, which is nearly a month more than the average of the past two years. This includes ten consecutive weeks focused on confirming presidential nominees and advancing significant legislation.

"This is a meaningful step to turn the page on the Biden administration and get the nation back on the right track," stated Thune.

Key issues identified by Senate Republicans include addressing economic challenges, border security, energy independence, and tax relief. They aim to implement policy solutions that have been previously advocated by their party. Inflation under President Biden's administration was highlighted as a major concern, with a reported cumulative rate of 20.6 percent during his presidency. This inflation resulted in American families paying over $13,000 more annually compared to January 2021.

"Fortunately, those days are over," said Thune regarding previous economic policies.

Republicans also plan to prevent what they describe as "the largest tax hike on Americans in our history" by extending successful tax policies from the first Trump administration set to expire this year.

Border security remains a priority after reports of 10.5 million migrant encounters along the southwest border under current policies. Republicans intend to collaborate with the Trump administration to address these issues.

Energy policy is another focus area, with plans to reverse actions taken by the previous administration that Republicans argue hindered domestic energy production and led to higher energy costs.

Other objectives include passing a new five-year Farm Bill and strengthening national defense efforts.

"It is time to get to work, pursuing bipartisan solutions whenever possible or delivering relief in spite of obstruction when necessary," concluded Thune.

Arkansas representatives express readiness to tackle these tasks for their constituents' benefit.