This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 15, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Arkansans joined demonstrators across the country Saturday to protest President Donald Trump and his administration's policies during the first months of his second White House stint.

The No Kings rallies took place on the same day of the Army’s parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating its 250th anniversary. The parade in the nation’s capital also coincided with Trump's 79th birthday.

On Capitol Hill, two committees in the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation last week establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets.

The House Financial Services and Agriculture committees considered the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in separate markups last Tuesday. The legislation would clarify the roles of federal agencies in regulating digital assets and people interested in such investments.

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., leads the House Financial Services Committee.

STORY: Two U.S. House committees consider new rules for digital assets

The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee has put forward its portion of Senate Republicans' proposal advancing their policy goals.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., announced the legislation last Wednesday as senators continue assembling the legislative package.

The plan has similarities to the House's "one, big beautiful bill" and its language on nutrition assistance, although senators are pushing less strict terms in provisions regarding work requirements and a mandate for states to cover some food benefit costs.

STORY: Boozman, U.S. Senate committee unveil reconciliation bill

Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., is again proposing a constitutional amendment to allow Congress to pass legislation prohibiting actions desecrating the U.S. flag, such as burning the flag.

The Supreme Court has ruled flag burning and similar acts are protected "expressive conduct" under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

STORY: Womack pushes again for constitutional amendment targeting ‘physical desecration’ of American flag

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 developments from the nation's capital!

Welcome to "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of June 8, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

A federal district court has sided with the state in a legal challenge against Arkansas' congressional map.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas issued a ruling on Friday stating opponents of the current boundaries failed to provide sufficient evidence proving state lawmakers acted with racial discrimination in their decision to split Pulaski County into three districts.

The plaintiffs claimed the division dilutes the strength of Black voters in Central Arkansas.

STORY: Federal court sides with state in congressional map dispute

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., wants Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to invest more in the Pine Bluff Arsenal.

Cotton's push occurs as the Army is undertaking a "transformation initiative," which could result in consolidating military installations across the country.

STORY: Cotton argues for expansion of Pine Bluff Arsenal; Army secretary blames ‘constraints’ for search elsewhere

Disability Rights Arkansas has started accepting new cases again after pausing this service in April.

The independent nonprofit organization had to briefly halt taking new clients because the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education had not delivered necessary grant funding.

Disability Rights Arkansas has credited the state's congressional delegation and lawmaker's push for the funding's release.

STORY: Federal agencies release grants for Disability Rights Arkansas, group resumes accepting new clients

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 developments from the nation's capital!

In a change of pace from our usual coverage, this week's "Arkies in the Beltway" episode focuses away from the nation's capital. Democrats from across the country — including Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin — traveled to Little Rock last week for the State Association of Democratic Committee's annual spring meeting, during which members discussed voter outreach strategies and reflected on last year's election.

The meeting occurred four months after Martin ascended to the top position among national Democrats. Martin, who previously led Minnesota Democrats, has stressed the importance of state parties in his efforts to improve Democrats' election performance and overall image.

STORY: Democrats converge in Little Rock as state, national parties chart course for future elections

Thank you for checking out 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 developments from the nation's capital!