Arkies in the Beltway | Week of July 28, 2024 | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

This is “Arkies in the Beltway” for the week of July 28, 2024. I’m Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Your perspectives on national politics and the people of Arkansas influence the conversation.

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The Arkansas delegation to this year’s Democratic National Convention had no hesitation in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as their party’s presidential nominee.

Delegates voted unanimously to back Harris, who is expected to lead the Democratic Party in its presidential primary after President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race. Harris has received overwhelming national support in the days following Biden’s move, casting herself as the party’s choice to take on former President Donald Trump in November.

STORY: Arkansas Delegation to 2024 Democratic National Convention Endorses Harris in Presidential Race

Members of the Arkansas congressional delegation spoke highly of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after his speech to a joint session of Congress.

Netanyahu’s appearance on Capitol Hill sparked protests outside the US Capitol as Israel continues to face questions over its tactics in the war against Hamas.

STORY: Arkansas lawmakers celebrate Netanyahu after Capitol Hill speech

We have an idea of ​​when the Johnny Cash statue on Capitol Hill will be unveiled.

The U.S. House of Representatives last week passed a concurrent resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an unveiling ceremony. The resolution sets a date for the event on September 24.

STORY: U.S. House of Representatives Approves September 24 for Cash Statue Unveiling Ceremony

The Senate and House of Representatives will be away from Capitol Hill for the month of August due to Congress’ annual recess.

When lawmakers return to Washington, DC, they don’t have much time to tackle their year-end to-do list and complete their legislative duties for the year.

One major issue that Congress urgently needs to address is a new version of the Water Resources Development Act, which authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects and research into water resources and ecosystems.

Read this story in Monday’s edition of the Democrat-Gazette.

Thank you for supporting “Arkies in the Beltway!” Be sure to stay up to date on all things Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can also keep up with what’s happening in the nation’s capital by following me on social media; my handle on all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.