Washington news in brief

UALR team in D.C., 3rd in competition

A team of business students from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock last week finished third in the Facebook Global Digital Challenge, a competition recognizing students who effectively use social media to fight violent extremism.

The students visited the White House and bumped into its current occupant as they stood on the steps of the Executive Office Building.

President Barack Obama strolled past the competitors, clutching a cup of coffee and said, “This is a sharp-looking group. Good to see you guys. Thanks for the good work,” according to video posted online.

UALR professor Gary Geissler, who teaches advertising and oversaw the project, said his students got pictures of Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. He described the encounter as “pretty exciting — almost surreal.”

The UALR team came up with a campaign called “7 Strong” that encourages people to report inappropriate extremist material when it’s posted online.

The number 7 refers to the seven continents and to the 7 billion people who populate the earth.

The five students on the winning team are: Glen Ritta, Cathy Heathscott, Shannon Carroll, Hillary Haley and Quay Allen-Smith.

Boozman receives various Arkansans

In Washington, U.S. John Boozman, R-Ark., met Tuesday with Oren Paris, president of Ecclesia College in Springdale; Benton Police Chief Kirk Lane and Saline County Sheriff Rodney Wright; and several officials with the Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center — State Director Janet Roderick, Associate State Director Laura Fine and Assistant State Director Michael Singleton.

On Wednesday, the senator form Rogers met with members of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and visited with University of Arkansas Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz.

On Thursday, Boozman met with Arkansans who were in Washington for the National Prayer Breakfast. Boozman spoke at the event, which drew more than 3,000 people.

4 in forestry group get tour of Capitol

Four Forest Landowners Association board members from Arkansas traveled to Washington last week. On Wednesday, Scott Rowland of Magnolia, Mary Clapp of El Dorado, Greg Hay of Conway and Pete Prutzman of Arkadelphia attended a Capitol Hill board of directors luncheon that featured an address by U.S. Sen. John Boozman. Rowland is the association’s president, and Clapp is a former president. Prutzman is president of the Arkansas Forestry Association.

Afterward, they visited the offices of the four U.S. House members from Arkansas.

Fourth District U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman carved out time to visit with the group.

“He’s kind of one of us in the sense of being a forester and landowner,” Prutzman said.

At the end of the day, Westerman gave them a tour of the Capitol.

Westerman, a Republican from Hot Springs, was elected to his first term in 2014. He is the only member of Congress with a graduate degree in forestry.

Westerman talks up dyslexia forum

U.S Rep. Bruce Westerman is inviting people to participate in a Congressional Dyslexia Forum on March 7 in Hot Springs.

At 2:25 p.m., the Republican from Hot Springs will join Sally Shaywitz, co-director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, to discuss her book, Overcoming Dyslexia.

From 6-8 p.m., the forum will take place. It will feature experts on dyslexia from Arkansas and across the country.

“With appropriate interventions, students with dyslexia can get the assistance they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally,” a news release announcing the event stated. “Parents, teachers, students, school administrators, and state education leaders interested in dyslexia and evidence-based interventions are invited to attend.”

Westerman served on the Fountain Lake School District Board of Education and his wife, Sharon, taught special education for many years.

More information about the forum can be found at westerman.house.gov/ DyslexiaForum2016.

Hill taking resumes for summer interns

Second District U.S. Rep. French Hill is looking for summer interns to work for him, either on Capitol Hill or at his offices in Little Rock and Conway.

“Applicants should have working knowledge of current events and policy topics as well as a willingness to assist with daily office tasks,” the job description states.

On Capitol Hill, the duties include “greeting constituents, answering constituent phone calls, opening and sorting mail, guiding U.S. Capitol building tours, and assisting staff with administrative tasks. Interns also will have the opportunity to conduct legislative research and assist with correspondence, as well as attend Capitol Hill briefings, congressional hearings, and press events. Social media and other communications experience a plus,” it states.

Interns working in Arkansas have various tasks, including “answering phones, organizing, distributing, and inputting mail, assisting staff with casework and constituent outreach. Qualified individuals will display strong writing skills and attention to detail.”

Resumes and cover letters can be sent to ar02.applications@mail.house.gov.

Rice, food deserts on Crawford’s plate

First District U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, a Republican from Jonesboro, spoke at the Arkansas Rice Federation’s annual meeting Friday in Jonesboro. Crawford’s district produces more rice than any other congressional district.

On Wednesday, Crawford participated in a hearing on food deserts in rural areas

— places where supplies of fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthful food options are not readily available. Also Wednesday, he met with University of Arkansas Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz, and with members of the Federal Landowners Association, the Farm Credit Association and the National Sorghum Producers. On Tuesday, he met with Springdale’s Ecclesia College President Oren Paris and his wife, Cari Paris.

Cotton addresses ‘Made in Israel’ tag

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton introduced legislation Monday that would allow goods produced in the West Bank or Gaza Strip to continue being labeled as “Made in Israel.”

U.S. labeling rules since 1995 have required products imported from the disputed territories to be labeled so that their places of origin are clear. The rule has rarely been enforced, supporters of Cotton’s legislation say.

But last month, U.S. customs officials reiterated that it is “not acceptable” to place “Made in Israel” labels on goods from the Palestinian territories.

Cotton, a Republican from Dardanelle, issued a statement Monday, saying that the directive “plays right into the hands of those who are driving insidious efforts to boycott Israeli goods.” He maintained that the 1995 rule “was lightly, if ever, enforced and serves little purpose today.” Cotton said the rule would “have the undeniable effect of isolating our closest friend in the Middle East and giving other nations an excuse to unfairly treat Israel in trade relations.”

Planning to visit the nation’s capital? Know something happening in Washington, D.C.? Contact Frank Lockwood at (202) 662-7690 or flockwood@arkansasonline.com.

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