If you visited the President’s website, you might think that Washington’s spending problem is under control.

Lines that suggest President Obama has “led the way on structuring the government to live within its means” and “the Administration has moved to eliminate wasteful spending, streamline what works, and modernize how government operates to save money and improve performance” would give you the impression that everything is rosy and going according to plan.

So, how then, does the White House reconcile that rhetoric with the fact that our national debt has now passed the $18 trillion mark? It appears by ignoring this alarming trend all together, and not commenting on it despite once saying it was “unpatriotic” to add $4 trillion to the debt.

Come January, Republicans will control both chambers of Congress, allowing us to put our commitment to cut Washington’s wasteful spending into action. I believe we can find a mechanism, like a Balanced Budget Amendment, that will stop the government from spending beyond its means. If Arkansas can be required to balance our state’s budget, there is no reason that we shouldn’t be able to require Washington to do the same.

The national debt is a threat to our sovereignty. Foreign holdings account for almost half of these obligations, and much of that is owed to countries that do not always share our values—such as China and Saudi Arabia. We must end the excessive spending and put our nation back on a fiscally responsible path. The road we are on right now certainly isn’t fair to future generations. We can’t keep kicking the can down the road. In fact, it has been kicked so far down the road it is out of view.

As we prepare our grocery lists for Thanksgiving we are reminded of the things for which we are thankful. This year I am grateful for a Razorback SEC football win, my health and my family. However, there are many children who don’t have the opportunity to be thankful for a family. These are our nation’s children in foster care. 

In Arkansas there are more than 3,000 children in our foster care system. Many of these children and youth are waiting for adoption and dreaming to be part of a loving family. 

To raise awareness, I cosponsored the Senate- passed resolution recognizing November as National Adoption Month and Saturday, November 22^nd as National Adoption Day.  This campaign strives to share the many positive adoption stories, clear up the misconceptions of adoption and to bring attention to the children who are awaiting permanent families. I am proud to support the bipartisan resolution in hopes of encouraging families in Arkansas, and across the country, to open their hearts and homes and give the blessing of a bright future. 

Arkansas has excellent adoption advocacy groups and forever families. Due to their dedication to children, over the past several years these crusaders have been distinguished for their efforts by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, which coordinates the Angels in Adoption program. We are blessed to have so many Arkansans willing to share their love and their homes. 

Every child deserves the love and support of a family. We must work diligently to make that a reality. Families across Arkansas are committed to sharing their love with children who need parents. As a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I’m committed to creating an environment that encourages adoption and ensure that parents receive guidance, support, and an efficient and secure adoption process.  

By now you have likely seen the video clips of Obamacare architect Jonathan Gruber admitting, among other things, that the authors took advantage of voters' “stupidity” to pass the law.

It might be the most revealing remark on the Obamacare authors’ mindsets since “we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it” and “if you like your plan and your doctor, you can keep them.”

And just like these two claims, it shows the attitude of Obamacare authors and the level they would go to pass the law and sell it to the American people.

Arkansans were well aware of the deceptive tactics used to ram Obamacare through Congress. It is why I fought against its initial passage and have supported efforts to undo it, defund it, and repeal it.

With a price tag in the trillions, the law creates more problems than it solves. It drives up health care costs, busts our budget, bankrupts Medicare and deflates our economy. It forces people off plans they like and into coverage that does not fit their needs. On top of that, it doesn’t create economic stability for Arkansans, it raises their taxes.

The American people are also well aware that more Obamacare problems are on the horizon. Dr. Marc Siegel, a practicing internist and FOX News Channel contributor, does a good job detailing what we can expect if Obamacare is left in place. It is further evidence that this law needs to be replaced. 

U.S. Senator John Boozman honored the service and sacrifice of those who wore our nation’s uniform at events in Little Rock on Veterans Day. Boozman started the day highlighting services for Arkansas veterans. He also attended the annual state Veterans Day Ceremony and met with disabled veterans who use service dogs for therapy.