Cotton Blog: Weekly Wrap Up: June 10, 2013 - June 14, 2013

Statement

Telephone Town Hall: This week, I spoke with thousands of Arkansans directly from my office in D.C. via a telephone town hall. As usual, it was great to hear your concerns and opinions. Already looking forward to my next telephone town hall!

Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing: This week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee held a full committee hearing on modernizing U.S. international food aid. Food aid can be an important diplomatic tool in our dealings with other nations and I was happy the committee explored this issue further.

Adoption Tax Credit: According to the IRS's own Taxpayer Advocate Service, 90 percent of those who filed for the Adoption Tax Credit last year were flagged for additional review. Nearly 70 percent were audited. But only 1.5 percent of adoption credit claims were disallowed in the end. Adoption is a selfless, loving act and those who chose to adopt should not subject to this kind of additional scrutiny. Watch my speech on the House floor speaking out against the IRS's behavior.

Financial Services Subcommittee Hearing: On Thursday, the Financial Services Committee Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade held a hearing on assessing reform at the Export-Import Bank. Be sure to watch my question and answer with witnesses!

National Defense Authorization Act: This week, the House considered the National Defense Authorization Act, which will fund our military for FY 2014. I proudly supported this legislation. During consideration, several amendments were offered. One amendment in particular would have closed the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. I spoke out on the House floor against this amendment, which failed by a vote of 174 to 249.

Office Meetings: I had several great groups of Arkansans come through my office this week! I snapped a photo with the Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Be sure to check out my social media pages for photos of me throughout the week!

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