This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Sept. 1, 2024. I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., have introduced bipartisan legislation supporting research on smartphone use in schools. The Focus on Learning Act calls on the federal Department of Education to study how these devices impact academic achievement and students' mental health.

The two measures come amid interest nationwide and in the Natural State to restrict smartphone access among students. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and state Education Secretary Jacob Oliva are pushing a pilot program to provide school districts with pouches so students may store their phones during the school day.

Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of the Democrat-Gazette.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., spent part of last week in Texas. Part of his trip involved the next farm bill and necessary language concerning agriculture production.

Boozman, of Rogers, and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, participated in an agriculture roundtable, during which the senators emphasized the importance of putting "more farm" in the next legislative package. The current farm bill is set to expire in September.

STORY: Boozman stresses farm protections in Texas agriculture roundtable

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.