This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of January 19, 2025!

I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions. Regarding those Arkansans of interests, the Natural State's congressional delegation is in quite the position to administer some influence throughout this Congress.

Five Arkansans are now serving in committee chair roles after House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., elevated Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., on Thursday to the top position on the House Intelligence Committee.

Crawford, of Jonesboro, and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., are Congress' top members on intelligence-related issues. Cotton, of Little Rock, leads the Senate Intelligence Committee.

STORY: Crawford named chairman of the House Intelligence Committee

The Senate has started considering President-elect Donald Trump's choices for top administrative positions.

Cotton and Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., participated in hearings where presumptive nominees explained their goals for the new presidential administration, as well as addressed senators' questions about their positions and records.

STORY: Cotton allows Hegseth to explain stance on women in combat

STORY: Cotton chairs first Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, presses CIA director nominee on agency’s mission

STORY: Boozman calls on Trump’s EPA pick to work with USDA, consider farmers and ranchers

The House of Representatives Rules Committee will consider a bipartisan proposal from Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., on Tuesday, the Fix Our Forests Act.

Westerman, of Hot Springs, starts this year optimistic about this Congress and his second term leading the House Natural Resources Committee.

STORY: Westerman hopes to ride legislative momentum in ongoing House committee leadership

Thanks for checking out this week's episode of "Arkies in the Beltway!"

Stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on BlueSky for developments from the nation's capital!