WASHINGTON -- In the Republicans' national weekly address released today, U.S. Sen.-elect Tom Cotton wishes Americans a happy Thanksgiving and thanks members of the military for their service.
The weekly address is delivered by a different Republican politician each week and is designed to be a response to the president's weekly address.
The congressman's office announced Wednesday that he was giving the speech. Also this week, U.S. Rep.-elect French Hill, a Little Rock Republican, announced his choice for chief of staff.
This is the second time the Dardanelle Republican has been picked to give the Republicans' weekly address, Cotton's spokesman Caroline Rabbitt said. He last gave the address in February and spoke about the president's health care law.
Cotton currently represents the 4th Congressional District. He defeated U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor earlier this month.
Cotton wrote the address himself, Rabbitt said. He recorded the Thanksgiving address last week. It is scheduled to be available online at https://www.youtube.com/user/gopweeklyaddress/videos.
"For nearly as long as we've been a people, Americans have set aside a day for public thanksgiving for our many blessings," Cotton said. "On this day of Thanksgiving, then, let us once again pause and reflect on these blessings, and also remember that we are not their author nor are they the work of our own hands. Rather, they are the gifts of a just and merciful God who loves us in spite of our failings. In deepest gratitude, we thank the Lord for these gifts and humbly petition for His continued Providence."
Cotton recounts his experience being away from home on Thanksgiving during his time in the Army.
"For many, there will be no homecoming this week," Cotton said. "From Afghanistan to Iraq to Korea, our troops continue to patrol the world to bring peace and security for us all. From Marines in Liberia to sailors across the oceans to airmen over the Asian skies to the sentinels standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, these troops will sacrifice the comforts of family and home so we can enjoy them. To each of you, on behalf of the people of a grateful nation, I extend our deepest thanks for your honorable and faithful service."
Also this week, Hill selected A. Brooke Bennett as his chief of staff, Hill said.
Bennett is currently an adviser for U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin, who leaves Congress at the end of the year. She also previously served as Griffin's deputy chief of staff.
"She's got a great mix of private sector and public sector experience," Hill said.
As chief of staff, Bennett's role will be to advise Hill on policy and manage his Washington and Arkansas offices.
Bennett has also worked in the office of former Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao, R-La. Bennett has a law degree from Tulane University.
Metro on 11/27/2014