Cotton raps China over Hong Kong
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., delivered a speech on the Senate floor last week denouncing China's treatment of protesters in Hong Kong.
A new security law, targeting "subversive activities" essentially "criminalizes basic elements of peaceful protest and democratic change that Hong Kongers have used for years," he said.
"Those of us with freedom to speak and act on their behalf must do so now, as one of the great citadels of Asia slips into the totalitarian darkness," he said. "While dark days may lay ahead for Hong Kong, one day the future will return the sunny highlands of freedom to that small citadel."
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The lawmaker from Dardanelle has been a leading critic of the Chinese communist government. He also has criticized U.S. leaders for their response to unrest after the killing, in Minneapolis, of George Floyd.
Last month on Twitter, Cotton suggested using the 101st Airborne Division, if necessary, to counter violent U.S. protests.
"And, if necessary, the 10th Mountain, 82nd Airborne, 1st Cav, 3rd Infantry -- whatever it takes to restore order," Cotton wrote in a subsequent tweet, concluding, "No quarter for insurrectionists, anarchists, rioters, and looters."
In an interview at the time, Cotton said he supports the rights of peaceful protesters and expressed confidence that U.S. military forces would be able to differentiate between lawful and unlawful protesters.
"It's not too hard to see who's setting fire to cars or looting shops or otherwise attacking innocent civilians," he said.
Gidley press aide for Trump camp
Hogan Gidley, assistant to the president and principal deputy press secretary, stepped down last week from his White House job.
Henceforth, he'll be serving as national press secretary for Donald J. Trump for President Inc., he announced on Twitter.
"I am overwhelmingly humbled and deeply appreciative to @realDonaldTrump for giving me a front row seat to his historic accomplishments that improved the lives of all Americans. It's truly been a blessing beyond measure," he wrote.
"As I head to a new chapter, please follow me: @JHoganGidley," he concluded.
Gidley's message was accompanied by a picture of himself and the president strolling together down the West Wing Colonnade.
Gidley, who grew up in El Dorado, is a former Arkansas television newsman and member of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's 2016 presidential campaign team. He joined the White House staff in October 2017, when Sarah Huckabee Sanders was press secretary, and has been a highly visible defender of the president ever since.
Lawmakers mark low-key July 4th
With most of the typical Independence Day festivities canceled, members of the all-Republican Arkansas congressional delegation had little in the way of campaign activities on the agenda for this weekend.
Instead, they'll spend time with family, they said.
"I've always enjoyed the Pangburn, Fairfield Bay and Maumelle parades, among others. Those are always so much fun. You see so many people. I'm going to miss that part of my Fourth of July," said U.S. Rep. French Hill of Little Rock.
Instead, "we're going to barbecue with some friends in the backyard and salute the country," he said.
With no parades to attend, U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro also planned to concentrate on his grill-master duties, Crawford's spokeswoman said.
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs said his yearly rituals had been scaled back.
"We normally have a larger family gathering planned or something and do a cookout and shoot fireworks, but we're still not doing those big family dinners yet," he said.
A trip to the lake might also be on the agenda instead, he said.
U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Rogers said his typical election year schedule had been erased.
"Most of the events I normally take part in are canceled," he said.
"Hopefully, [I'll] eat some homemade ice cream," he said. "Whatever I do, I will socially distance [and] wear my mask if it involves any groupings of people."
Planning to visit the nation's capital? Know something happening in Washington, D.C.? Please contact Frank Lockwood at (202) 662-7690 or flockwood@arkansasonline.com. Want the latest from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Washington bureau? It's available on Twitter, @LockwoodFrank.