Arkansas
State Senators:
Tom Cotton (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2015
Full Name: Thomas Bryant Cotton
Date of Birth: May 13, 1977
Birthplace: Dardanelle, Arkansas, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Tom Cotton was born and raised in Dardanelle, Arkansas. He graduated from Dardanelle High School and went on to attend Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government in 1998. Cotton later attended Harvard Law School, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 2002
Personal Life: Tom Cotton is married to Anna Peckham, and they have two children. The family resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. Cotton is also an author, having written “Sacred Duty: A Soldier’s Tour at Arlington National Cemetery,” which reflects on his experiences and the importance of military service
Military Career: After completing his education, Cotton served as a law clerk and practiced law for a brief period before joining the U.S. Army in 2005. He served as an infantry officer and saw combat during the Iraq War with the 101st Airborne Division. Cotton also served in Afghanistan. For his service, he received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. He ended his military career with the rank of Captain.
Political Career:
- U.S. House of Representatives: Elected to represent Arkansas’s 4th congressional district in 2012. Served one term from 2013 to 2015.
- U.S. Senate: Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014, defeating incumbent Senator Mark Pryor. Took office on January 3, 2015. Re-elected in 2020.
Committees Assignments:
- Committee on Armed Services
- Committee on the Judiciary
- Joint Economic Committee
- Select Committee on Intelligence
Political Positions and Legislative Work:
- National Security and Defense: Strong advocate for a robust national defense and military. Supports increased defense spending and a strong stance against adversaries like Iran and China.
- Immigration: Advocates for stricter immigration policies, including increased border security and merit-based immigration reforms.
- Economy and Trade: Supports free-market economic policies, tax cuts, and deregulation to stimulate economic growth. Favors trade policies that protect American workers.
- Judiciary and Law Enforcement: Strong proponent of conservative judicial appointments. Supports law enforcement and policies aimed at reducing crime.
- Social Issues: Holds conservative views on social issues, including opposition to abortion and support for Second Amendment rights.
Senator Cotton is recognized for his firm stance on national security, conservative economic policies, and traditional values. His background in the military and law shapes his approach to governance and legislative priorities in the U.S. Senate.
Committees
Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters
Judiciary: The Judiciary Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.
Joint Economic Committee: Bipartisan committee composed of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This committees’ role is to inform Congress about the state of the economy and provide policy recommendations to address economic challenges and opportunities. Its work helps shape economic policy and legislation in the United States.
Intelligence: Committee plays a role in overseeing the activities of the U.S. intelligence community, ensuring that intelligence operations are effective, lawful, and aligned with national security priorities while safeguarding civil liberties and privacy.
Voting patterns
Senator Cotton’s voting patterns reflect his strong conservative stance on a range of issues:
Key Voting Patterns:
National Security and Defense:
- Defense Spending: Consistently supports increased funding for the military and defense initiatives.
- Counterterrorism: Votes in favor of measures aimed at strengthening counterterrorism efforts and enhancing national security.
- Foreign Policy: Advocates for a tough stance on adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia, and supports policies that bolster U.S. allies.
Immigration:
- Border Security: Strongly supports increased funding for border security and the construction of a border wall.
- Immigration Reform: Votes in favor of restrictive immigration policies, including limits on asylum claims and increased enforcement of immigration laws.
Economic Policy:
- Tax Cuts: Supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced taxes for individuals and corporations.
- Regulation: Favors deregulation and policies that promote free-market principles.
Healthcare:
- Affordable Care Act: Consistently votes to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
- Medicare and Medicaid: Generally supports measures to reform and reduce spending on entitlement programs.
Judiciary:
- Judicial Appointments: Votes in favor of confirming conservative judges and justices to the federal judiciary.
- Criminal Justice: Supports tough-on-crime policies and opposes measures that would significantly reform the criminal justice system.
Social Issues:
- Abortion: Opposes abortion and supports legislation to restrict or ban the practice.
- Second Amendment: Strong advocate for gun rights and opposes most forms of gun control legislation.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Generally votes against measures expanding LGBTQ+ rights and protections.
Environmental Policy:
- Climate Change: Skeptical of climate change policies that he perceives as harmful to the economy; often votes against measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
- Energy Policy: Supports policies that promote the development and use of fossil fuels and opposes stringent environmental regulations.
Civil Liberties and Privacy:
- Surveillance: Supports measures that expand government surveillance capabilities in the name of national security.
- Law Enforcement: Votes in favor of policies that provide more resources and support for law enforcement agencies.
Senator Cotton’s voting record aligns closely with the positions of the conservative wing of the Republican Party, emphasizing national security, a robust military, strict immigration controls, free-market economic policies, and conservative social values.
Full Name: John Nichols Boozman
Date of Birth: December 10, 1950
Birthplace: Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
Early Life and Education: John Boozman was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He attended Northside High School in Fort Smith. Boozman went on to play football for the Arkansas Razorbacks at the University of Arkansas, where he earned a degree in Agriculture in 1972. He later graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in 1977 and became an optometrist.
Personal Life: John Boozman is married to Cathy Boozman, and they have three daughters. The family resides in Rogers, Arkansas. Boozman is actively involved in his community, participating in various civic and charitable organizations. He’s also been involved in mission work and has participated in eye care missions to developing countries.
Early Career: Before entering politics, John Boozman practiced optometry. He co-founded a private practice, Boozman-Hof Regional Eye Clinic, in Rogers, Arkansas.
John Boozman (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2011
Political Career:
- U.S. House of Representatives: Elected to represent Arkansas’s 3rd congressional district in a special election in 2001. He served in the House from 2001 to 2011. During his time in the House, Boozman focused on issues such as veterans’ affairs, agriculture, and transportation.
- U.S. Senate: Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, defeating incumbent Senator Blanche Lincoln. He took office on January 3, 2011, and was re-elected in 2016 and 2022. As a senator, he has been known for his conservative positions on various issues, including healthcare, agriculture, and national security.
Committee Assignments:
- Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Ranking)
- Committee on Appropriations
- Committee on Environment and Public Works
- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Legislative Achievements:
- Veterans’ Affairs: Boozman is a strong advocate for veterans and has worked on numerous pieces of legislation to improve healthcare, education, and job opportunities for veterans. He has been instrumental in expanding services and support for veterans across the country.
- Agriculture: Representing a largely agricultural state, Boozman has been a key player in shaping agricultural policy. He has worked on farm bills that provide support to farmers, promote sustainable farming practices, and enhance rural development.
- Healthcare: Boozman supports market-based healthcare reforms aimed at increasing competition and reducing costs. He has worked on legislation to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and to address issues such as mental health and substance abuse.
- Infrastructure: Boozman advocates for significant investments in infrastructure to promote economic growth. He has supported legislation to improve transportation, broadband access, and water systems.
Senator John Boozman is known for his pragmatic approach to governance and his focus on issues that directly impact his constituents in Arkansas. His background in healthcare and optometry, combined with his extensive legislative experience, informs his work in the Senate, particularly in areas related to agriculture, veterans’ affairs, and economic development.
Committees
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission. This is a U.S. government agency that monitors and promotes the following in Europe and surrounding areas: Human Rights, Democracy, Military Security, Economic Cooperation, and Humanitarian Issues. The commission includes members from the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and executive branch, and it conducts various activities to inform U.S. policy and ensure adherence to international agreements.
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: This committee deals with agricultural economics, research, production, and forestry.
Committee on Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.
Voting patterns
Senator John Boozman’s voting patterns reflect his conservative stance on various issues, aligning with the Republican Party. An overview of his voting behavior:
Economic and Budget Issues:
- Tax Policy: Supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced tax rates for individuals and corporations.
- Budget and Spending: Generally favors measures to reduce federal spending and supports balanced budget amendments. Opposes large-scale deficit spending.
Healthcare:
- Affordable Care Act: Consistently votes to repeal or dismantle the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
- Medicare and Medicaid: Supports reforms aimed at reducing costs and increasing efficiency in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Favors policies that give states more control over Medicaid.
Defense and National Security:
- Defense Spending: Advocates for robust defense spending to ensure a strong military.
- Veterans’ Issues: Strong supporter of legislation to improve healthcare and benefits for veterans, reflecting his commitment to veterans’ affairs.
Immigration:
- Border Security: Supports increased funding for border security, including the construction of a border wall.
- Immigration Reform: Favors stricter immigration policies and enforcement measures. Opposes amnesty for undocumented immigrants.
Social Issues:
- Abortion: Opposes abortion and supports legislation to restrict or ban the practice, including voting for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.
- Second Amendment: Strong advocate for gun rights and opposes most forms of gun control legislation.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Generally votes against measures expanding LGBTQ+ rights and protections.
Environment and Energy:
- Climate Change: Skeptical of climate change policies that he perceives as harmful to the economy. Often votes against measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
- Energy Policy: Supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy, including the development of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. Advocates for deregulation in the energy sector.
Education:
- Local Control: Supports local control of education and opposes federal overreach. Advocates for school choice and charter schools.
- Funding: Favors increased funding for STEM programs and vocational training.
Judiciary:
- Judicial Appointments: Votes in favor of confirming conservative judges and justices to the federal judiciary.
- Criminal Justice: Supports tough-on-crime policies and has been cautious about broad criminal justice reform initiatives.
Agriculture:
- Farm Policy: Advocates for policies that support farmers and rural communities. Supports agricultural subsidies and programs that benefit Arkansas’s farming industry.
- Trade: Supports trade policies that protect and promote American agricultural products.
Senator Boozman’s voting record is consistent with his conservative principles, focusing on fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, limited government, and traditional social values. His legislative efforts often reflect the interests and priorities of his constituents in Arkansas.