In addition to taking control of the White House, Republicans also held onto their control of the U.S House of Representatives and took control of the U.S Senate. With Republicans taking control of Congress, Arkansas’ congressional delegation are in line for leadership positions.
U.S Senate
U.S Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, won’t join the Trump administration, according to Axios. Cotton was a top contender to serve as the secretary of defense or as the CIA director for the administration.
However, according to Axios, Cotton has received enough votes from his party to be the Conference Chair for the Republicans. In an interview with Arkies in the Beltway, a podcast by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Cotton said he is focused on leadership positions in the Senate and not serving in the cabinet.
“He’s [Trump] got a lot of great picks, I’m sure for every important job. He’ll make those decisions,” Cotton said. “I’m very happy being senator of Arkansas and it’s been a blessing for this past decade. I’m excited about the prospect and being even more effective for Arkansans as a member of our leadership in the conference chair role.”
The Conference Chair is the third highest leadership position for the majority party and conference chairs are in charge of the party’s messaging.
U.S Sen. John Boozman, R-Arkansas, will be the next chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, according to Politico. In an interview with Arkies in the Beltway, Boozman said that his priority will be getting the Farm Bill renewed, which he said will still be a challenge.
“We’re still going to need significant dollars, we’re still going to need to work together to get it done. Senator Stabenow is working in good faith and everybody is working in good faith," he said.
U.S Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, is the outgoing chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Commitee. As a ranking member of the committee, when his party was in the minority, Boozman worked with Stabenow on getting the Farm Bill renewed.
French Hill
Currently, U.S Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, serves as vice-chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, according to his office. In an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Hill said he hopes his party will continue to allow him to serve on this committee.
“That committee is the access to capital committee. If we want a mortgage for our home, we don’t start new businesses without access to capital, both in equality capital. That is something I take a lot of pride in,” he said.
Hill is a former banker and was the founder of Delta Trust & Banking Corporation. He said as a former banker and with his experience in Congress he has the expertise needed for the committee.
