This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Nov. 3, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing these discussions.

Election Day is Tuesday, and Arkansas' federal lawmakers have multiple reasons to keep their eyes on the results.

There are, of course, the races in Arkansas' four House of Representatives districts, but there are also eyes on the Senate and House contests happening outside of the Natural State.

If Republicans flip the Senate and hold onto the House, this possible GOP control of Capitol Hill could provide Arkansas' two senators and four House members with tremendous influence on public policy through committee and party leadership roles.

Read the full story in Monday's edition of the Democrat-Gazette.

Congress does have work to do in the final weeks of this year.

A bipartisan group of House members is pushing legislation to provide emergency financial assistance payments to farmers in financial straits.

Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark, is cosponsoring the Farmer Assistance Revenue Mitigation Act, which comes as the Senate and House struggle to reach final terms of a new farm bill.

STORY: Crawford joins congressional coalition urging agriculture relief

Thank you for supporting "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to stay up to date with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can track what's happening in the nation's capital by following me on social media; my handle across all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Oct. 27, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing these conversations.

We conclude our series covering Arkansas' four congressional races by looking at the 4th Congressional District contest. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., has served on Capitol Hill since January 2015. Democrat Risie Howard of Pine Bluff is challenging the Hot Springs incumbent for the seat.

STORY: Westerman, Howard face off in 4th Congressional District contest

Thank you for checking out this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to stay up to date with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can track what's happening in the nation's capital by following me on social media; my handle across all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.

Welcome to "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Oct. 20, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing these conversations.

This week's episode is the third part of our series covering Arkansas' four congressional races in this fall's general election. We're looking at the contest in the Natural State's 3rd Congressional District; Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., is seeking an eighth term on Capitol Hill as Democrat Caitlin Draper and Libertarian Bobby Wilson put forward their own challenges to the incumbent.

STORY: Womack faces Democratic, Libertarian challengers in 3rd District race

Thank you for supporting "Arkies in the Beltway!" Make sure to stay up to date with all news involving Arkansas at arkansasonline.com. You can track what's happening in the nation's capital by following me on social media; my handle across all platforms is @AlexHouseThomas.