America’s debt crisis and a few other topics are a priority for Arkansas Congressman French Hill (AR-02), according to a statement issued by his office on January 17, 2025. Hill talked about his commitment as a member of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
I’ll add a side note, since this department may not keep the name… The Department of Governmental Efficiency makes the anagram “DOGE,” a name that reflects businessman Elon Musk’s interest in cryptocurrency – the Dogecoin in particular. Research for this topic on January 20, 2025, revealed several news articles that predict a lawsuit from Dogecoin concerning the use of that trademarked name.
Hill also addressed Avian/Bird Flu, the CTA deadline for Small Businesses, and the penalties for senior citizens signing up late to Medicare Part B. Read Congressman Hill’s full statement below.
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CONGRESSMAN FRENCH HILL
STATEMENT JAN 17, 2025
DOGE
Throughout my time in Congress, I have been committed to finding a responsible solution to our nation’s debt crisis that limits irresponsible government spending, saves taxpayer dollars, and grows our economy.
This week, I reaffirmed that commitment by joining the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus in Congress. This caucus will lead the partnership between Congress and President Trump’s team of experts to enact sweeping common-sense reforms to streamline government operations and save your hard-earned money.
As a member of the DOGE Caucus, I will continue working with my Republican colleagues to rein in excessive spending, restore fiscal responsibility, and make government more efficient for central Arkansans. Together, we will champion the simple, common-sense reforms our nation needs to secure a prosperous future.
AVIAN FLU
This week, my staff met with Montrose Environmental Group, an environmental services technology headquartered in North Little Rock, about the ongoing outbreak of Avian Flu.
In past outbreaks, Montrose has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide remediation and testing support.
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is closely monitoring the outbreak, which has affected wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle in 10 states.
Most importantly, there has been no person-to-person spread of this virus and there not have been any reported cases in Arkansas.
While the public health risk remains low, the CDC recommends taking precautions, like avoiding contact with sick or dead animals and consuming only pasteurized dairy products.
I am thankful to have central Arkansas companies like Montrose playing an important role in responding to this outbreak. Rest assured, I will continue to monitor developments and support efforts to protect public health in central Arkansas and across the country.
SMALL BUSINESS CTA DEADLINE
If you are a small business owner in central Arkansas, you may be impacted by FinCEN’s beneficial ownership reporting requirement mandated by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
This rule, originally set to take effect January 1, 2025, was temporarily paused by a nationwide preliminary injunction issued by the Eastern District of Texas on December 3.
On December 23, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the rule. This rule was set to take effect with an extended deadline of January 13, 2025, barring any emergency relief from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals or any guidance from FinCEN.
That emergency relief came on December 26, when the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the nationwide injunction, meaning the new date of January 13, 2025, is temporarily paused once again.
I applaud the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for reinstating the nationwide injunction of the CTA. Although it is great news that the deadline is temporarily paused once again, I recognize how confusing all these legal developments are for small businesses.
I am closely monitoring any further legal developments and will keep fighting this reporting requirement in Congress.
If you or someone you know has questions about these developments, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-2506.
MEDICARE PART B
If you’re a senior citizen and you did not apply for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) within 3 months before or after turning 65, you have another chance each year during the General Enrollment Period.
The period runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. If you did not enroll in Part B when first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage.
Your monthly premium will increase 10% for each 12-month period that you were eligible for Part B but did not sign up and your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.
To learn more about Medicare, please visit HERE
If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare, please contact my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941.
Representative French Hill
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