Transportation

This past Wednesday the House passed, by a bipartisan vote of 417-3, landmark legislation known as the Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA), which supports jobs and trade in Arkansas by maintaining our critical waterways infrastructure. A fiscally responsible bill, it makes smart reforms that will keep Arkansas growers and manufacturers competitive on the global stage by driving down transportation costs and promoting international trade. Historically, Congress has enacted water reso... Read more

Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-1), a Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA): "Today, the House passed legislation that is fiscally responsible while supporting trade, manufacturing, and job growth at home in Arkansas. Ports and waterways like those in Arkansas’ First District are critical in keeping American businesses competitive and bolstering America’s s... Read more

Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-1), a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement after the committee held a markup on H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA): “This legislation is critical to the maintenance of our nation’s waterways, which are the arteries of commerce that drive economic activity and growth. Arkansas stands to benefit from this legislation, with projects focused on the Mississippi River and its tributarie... Read more

In the debate over immigration reform that is the hot topic in Washington, one important element has been notably absent from the discussion surrounding these reforms: homeland security. Last week, I joined a congressional tour beginning in San Diego and working east to Texas with several of my colleagues, led by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul. While my views on amnesty and reforming our broken guest worker system have not changed, this trip opened my eyes to the urgent nee... Read more

Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) issued the following statement after returning home from a three-day tour of border facilities in California, Arizona, and Texas, led by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX): "This trip to the border has opened my eyes to the realities on the ground that face Congress as we prepare to tackle immigration reform legislation this fall. Border security must remain a top issue for the House as we seek to augment the good work Border Patrol has do... Read more

Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR), issued the following statement after testifying before the International Trade Commission (ITC) earlier today in support of Arkansas companies who produce oil country tubular goods (OCTG), used to fashion pipelines that carry oil to refineries: “Manufacturing jobs are hugely important to Arkansas as well as the rest of the country. As the economy continues to recover here at home, we must remain vigilant to ensure other countries are not utilizing unfair trade p... Read more

Last week in testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced that after overwhelming negative feedback following the White River Blueway designation in Arkansas and Missouri, the entire program has been put on hold until further notice. The designation for the White River itself had been rescinded a few weeks earlier after the Department of the Interior attempted to designate the river without input from local leaders, no explanation of th... Read more

Today, Independence County Judge Robert T. Griffin gave testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee regarding the Interior Department’s decision to grant and subsequently rescind the National Blueway designation for the White River. Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) introduced Judge Griffin with an opening statement at the hearing. Following the hearing, Crawford issued the following statement regarding Judge Griffin’s testimony: “Independence County is lucky to have a passionate and d... Read more

Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) issued the following statement in anticipation of Independence County Judge Robert T. Griffin’s testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee regarding the White River National Blueway designation on Wednesday, July 17: “I look forward to Judge Griffin’s testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee this week regarding the National Blueway designation that was recently rescinded for the White River. Judge Griffin is uniquely positioned to speak ... Read more

Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR), a Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx as the new Secretary of Transportation: “Congratulations to Anthony Foxx on his confirmation as the new Secretary of Transportation. As a mayor of a large, urban city situated in a state with many rural areas, I am sure the Secretary understands as I do the importance of a diverse infrastructure that serve... Read more