This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of January 12, 2025. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

It's a new year and a new Congress.

The 119th Congress is now underway. Republicans hold majority control in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Members of Arkansas' congressional delegation are wielding tremendous influence at the start of this new Congress.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., now chairs the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee after four years as its ranking member.

Boozman, of Rogers, and other agriculture leaders will spend the year working on a new farm bill after the previous Congress failed to approve a new legislative package authorizing nutrition assistance, agriculture and rural development programs.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., leads the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Reps. French Hill and Bruce Westerman have top roles in Congress' lower chamber. Hill, of Little Rock, serves as chair of the House Financial Services Committee. Westerman, of Hot Springs, is continuing his tenure leading the House Natural Resources Committee.

STORY: Arkansans take lead roles on developing new farm bill as ’18 version remains in effect

Much of the attention on Capitol Hill last week focused on the legacy of Jimmy Carter.

The 39th president died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100.

Vice President Kamala Harris, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices and others paid their respects to Carter as his remains lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

STORY: National leaders honor Jimmy Carter as his body arrives at U.S. Capitol

Two Arkansans are seeking top positions with the Democratic National Committee.

Former congressional candidate Quintessa Hathaway is running for party chair. Chris Jones, who ran for governor in 2022, is vying for a vice chair position.

Read the full story on arkansasonline.com

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