"Arkies in the Beltway" is back with a new episode for the week of Dec. 8, 2024! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansas leading the discussions.

Congress is sprinting to complete its work before the holidays.

The Senate and House of Representatives have a full agenda of things to accomplish before Dec. 20, including action for farm bill programs addressing nutrition, rural development and agriculture.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined 16 other Republican governors in a letter last Monday calling on Congress to reauthorize these programs.

STORY: Sanders among GOP governors calling for farm bill action

The House Intelligence Committee has released a report stating it is "increasingly likely" that a foreign adversary is responsible for anomalous health incidents involving American diplomats and their families.

Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., is leading the committee's investigative efforts on these matters.

STORY: Crawford-led report: Foreign adversary “very likely” responsible for health incidents among diplomats

Another Arkansan is set to become an ambassador in the incoming presidential administration.

President-elect Donald Trump has named investment banker Warren Stephens as the next ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Stephens currently serves as president and CEO of Stephens Inc., a privately held investment firm based in Little Rock.

Trump in November named former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as the next ambassador to Israel.

STORY: Trump names Warren Stephens as next U.K. ambassador

Thank you for supporting "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, including on Bluesky.