This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of March 2, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, the Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions.

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have passed separate budget resolutions addressing President Donald Trump and Republicans' top policy goals. Now, they have to reach a compromise.

The House last week approved a blueprint with $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and sights on $2 trillion in spending cuts. All four of Arkansas' House members supported this plan.

House Democrats have voiced concerns about how the proposal could affect government services, including Medicaid and nutrition programs.

STORY: Arkansas’ U.S. House delegation backs 10-year budget blueprint to reduce spending, taxes

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is running for re-election.

Cotton, of Little Rock, launched his bid for another six-year term last Thursday.

The senator has emerged as a leading Republican figure on Capitol Hill; Cotton chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee and serves on the Senate GOP leadership team.

STORY: Cotton officially kicks off reelection bid

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., is again pushing a bill to expand the Flatside Wilderness Area in Central Arkansas.

Hill's legislation would add more than 2,200 acres of the Ouachita National Forest to this protected space.

STORY: Hill trying for third time to expand Central Arkansas’ Flatside Wilderness Area

Thanks for listening to "Arkies in the Beltway!" You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on BlueSky for developments from the nation's capital!