Congressional Digest: Cuba, Puerto Rico and remembering Ray Thornton

Congress returned to the nation’s capital this week after a two week district work period, with several items on the agenda.

A trip by an Arkansas lawmaker to Cuba as well as discussions over ways to help Puerto Rico carried the debate this week. Plus, lawmakers honored a longtime public servant who died this week. The following is a breakdown of the week that was in the nation’s Capital.

ANOTHER CUBA TRIP
U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, said this week that Cuba has the opportunity for change, both economically and socially. Crawford, who spent several days in the Caribbean nation with U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-La., spoke to Talk Business and Politics before and after his trip.

He said he visited a farmer’s market as well as farm cooperatives to learn more about Cuban agriculture. The visit was also surprising in a way, Crawford said.

“I guess I was expecting them to not be very friendly and not be very welcoming to Americans and just have a general sort of disdain, and that wasn’t the case at all,” he said. “In fact, it was right the opposite. They were very welcoming and open and extremely friendly and hospitable.”

REMEMBERING THORNTON
A former member of Congress from Arkansas was honored this week for his long career and productive life.

Former Congressman Ray Thornton, who was 87, died Wednesday. In addition to serving in the United States House (from the 2nd District and 4th District), Thornton served as attorney general, presidents of the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, served on the Arkansas Supreme Court as well as the first chairman of the Arkansas Lottery Commission.

“I join all Arkansans in mourning the death and celebrating the life of Congressman Ray Thornton, a pillar of political and educational life in Arkansas. Whether it was during his tenure as President of both Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas, representing two congressional districts, or serving as a Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court, Ray leaves a lasting legacy of selfless service and principled leadership, ” said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark.

“Congressman Ray Thornton was a gifted politician and statesman whose work reached across Arkansas,” said U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs. “Twice a congressman, he took a stand for justice during one of our nation’s most trying times as a member of the House Judiciary Committee. Between his two tours of service in the House, Ray made his impact in higher education not only in Arkadelphia, but also in Fayetteville and Jonesboro.”

“Martha and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of former Arkansas Congressman Ray Thornton. As a veteran of the Korean War, a Congressman, a state Supreme Court Justice, and an educator, Ray dedicated his entire adult life to service of our state and nation,” said U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock. “He was a true gentlemen and an outstanding leader who used his drive, wit, and energy to represent our citizens and improve higher educational opportunity for our young people. Though he will be greatly missed by many throughout Arkansas, his countless contributions will live on for many years to come.”

BORDER SECURITY BILL GETS HOUSE SUPPORT
A pair of bills approved this week will increase border security and will go a long way at stopping possible terrorists from entering the United States, two members of the state’s congressional delegation said.

The House approved HR 4482, the Southwest Border Security Threat Assessment Act of 2016, and HR 3586, the Border and Maritime Coordination Improvement Act, by voice vote Wednesday.

U.S. Reps. French Hill, R-Little Rock, and Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, said the bills will address needed goals.

“Our national security starts with our ability to protect our own borders from the flow of illegal traffic. I have made it a priority to be a positive voice on the issue of border security in the Congress, and I believe utilizing all the technologies at our disposal is vital to reducing potential threats at our border,” Hill said.

HOUSE HEARS PUERTO RICO BILL
A bill seeking to reform the financial problems in Puerto Rico has been delayed indefinitely after a hearing this week in the House Natural Resources Committee. The committee, in which Westerman serves as a member, heard HR 4900 during a hearing Wednesday.

According to a story in the Hill newspaper, the committee’s chairman, U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, requested the delay after the hearing.

“The Administration is still negotiating on provisions of the legislation, creating uncertainty in both parties,” Bishop said. “This legislation needs bipartisan support, but Members need time to understand the complexity of the issue and the ramifications of any proposed changes. It is unfair to all Members to force a vote with provisions still being negotiated.”

According to published reports, the U.S. territory has a $72 billion deficit amid questions over poor management and overspending. The bill would create an outside control board to oversee spending and help the territory restructure some of its debts, the Hill reported.

Critics have said the bill would be a bailout for Puerto Rico, which faces a May 1 debt payment; while opponents have stressed the control board would have too much power.