This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of January 26, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

Donald Trump's second presidency is underway, and the 47th president did not waste any time implementing parts of his agenda and campaign promises.

Hours after taking office, Trump signed multiple executive orders, including one action delaying a nationwide ban of the social media platform TikTok. Trump additionally issued pardons for people charged with crimes for the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

STORY: Arkansas leaders ecstatic, ready for second Trump presidency

STORY: Cotton, Crawford steadfast in wanting TikTok sale ending Chinese ties

STORY: Arkansas’ congressmen say they don’t condone Jan. 6 violence, but call to move forward after pardons

Several Arkansans traveled to Washington, D.C., to watch the inauguration ceremony. They, however, were not able to watch the inauguration from the U.S. Capitol's west side after Trump decided to move the event to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda because of cold temperatures.

STORY: Even with inauguration changes, Arkansans enjoy time in nation’s capital

Two of Arkansas' federal lawmakers marked career milestones when they presided over committees as chairs for the first time.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee welcomed Brooke Rollins as senators consider her nomination to serve as the next agriculture secretary.

On the other side of the U.S. Capitol, Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., and the House Financial Services Committee discussed the committee's goals for the 119th Congress.

STORY: Agriculture secretary nominee faces U.S. Senate panel as Boozman chairs first hearing

STORY: Hill chairs House committee for first time, organizes Financial Services panel

The House sent a forest management measure to the Senate for that chamber's consideration.

Reps. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., and Scott Peters, D-Calif., originally introduced the Fix Our Forests Act during the last Congress in hopes of expediting the environment review process for maintenance projects and promoting better forest resiliency.

STORY: U.S. House passes bipartisan Westerman bill on forest management

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