This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Sept. 22, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

The main focus on Capitol Hill this week — at least, when it comes to legislative business — will be lawmakers' ability to prevent a government shutdown at month's end.

The House of Representatives rejected a proposal last week to maintain funding until late March. House Republicans coupled that language with legislation requiring citizens to present some form of identification to register to vote in federal elections.

All four of Arkansas' House members supported the measure.

STORY: Arkansas’ U.S. House members back failed spending plan

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., wants colleagues to take action to protect agriculture producers.

As Congress remains unable to pass a new farm bill, Boozman, of Rogers, says farmers need access to financial assistance amid increasing input costs, high interest rates and market prices not keeping up with expenses.

STORY: Boozman urges action on farm bill, farmer assistance with rising financial pressure

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders generated controversy last week over remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris.

A Sanders spokesperson said Sanders' comments during a town hall with former President Donald Trump — during which Sanders said Harris "doesn't have anything keeping her humble" — were not an attack on the vice president for not having biological children.

STORY: Sanders camp says Harris jab was a reference to policies

Arkansans are excited for Tuesday's ceremony on Capitol Hill unveiling a statue of Johnny Cash.

The bronze Cash statue is the second statue of an Arkansan to be installed on Capitol Hill this year; a similar sculpture of civil rights leader Daisy Bates was unveiled to the public in May.

STORY: Check Sunday's edition of the Democrat-Gazette for the full story.

Thank you for listening to this week's "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.