Born on December 5, 1956, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, this member graduated from Little Rock Catholic High School in 1975 and earned a Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University in 1979. Prior to his political career, he gained significant experience in finance and government, working as a banker and businessman, and serving as staff for U.S. Senator John Tower and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs from 1982 to 1984. He furthered his federal service as a deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Treasury from 1989 to 1991, and as a special assistant to President George H. W. Bush, where he also held the position of Executive Secretary of the Economic Policy Council from 1991 to 1993. In 2008, he served as a senior advisor to then-Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas. He was elected as a Republican to the 114th Congress in 2015 and has since been re-elected to the subsequent sessions, currently serving in the 119th Congress as the chair of the Financial Services Committee.
Throughout his congressional tenure, he has sponsored and co-sponsored a range of bills that reveal much about his legislative priorities and political leanings. A strong advocate for financial services regulatory reform, he was associated with bills aimed at enhancing accountability in financial institution examinations. The FAIR Exams Act (HB 940) seeks to improve the examination process for financial institutions by mandating timely reporting of results, establishing accountability, while ensuring that institutions are protected from potential retaliation when exercising their rights.
In his role, he has also emphasized the importance of the U.S. global energy strategy, demonstrated through his involvement in the International Nuclear Energy Financing Act (HB 1474) aimed at promoting international nuclear energy investments and solidifying the U.S.'s role in global energy security. His commitment to national security is reflected in his co-sponsorship of the Sanctioning Russia Act (HB 2548), which enhances sanctions against entities providing support to the Russian military amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
His legislative approach tends to lean towards supporting measures that promote financial transparency and consumer protection. The Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act (HB 1868) is a notable example, emphasizing a humanitarian aspect in his work. He has also engaged in critical discussions surrounding consumer safety, exemplified by his endorsement of the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act (HB 2615), aimed at regulating the sale of contaminated poppy seeds in light of serious public health concerns.
Despite the support he garners for many of his initiatives, his legislative proposals do face scrutiny. Critics argue that while reforming financial regulations is important, the provisions in bills like the Small Lenders Act (HB 941) could inadvertently diminish oversight protections for small business borrowers.
In addition to his legislative work, he strikes a balance between his professional life and personal commitments. Although specific personal details about his family or private enterprises were not disclosed, he is engaged with issues that resonate with his constituents in Arkansas, solidifying both his role as a public servant and a representative of regional interests.
Overall, this member's legislative portfolio suggests a focus on financial oversight, energy policy, national security, and consumer protection, reflecting a Republican stance that prioritizes regulatory reform while being sensitive to issues that impact both small businesses and national interests.