Eric A. "Rick" Crawford

Crawford Delivers Major National Security and EOD Wins as House Passes NDAA

Position: The release expresses support for the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 8800), citing its pay raises for service members, munitions funding, supply-chain and domestic manufacturing provisions, and investments in autonomous systems, hypersonics, and AI, along with four Crawford amendments on EOD capabilities and homeland defense.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., voted in favor of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027, which passed through the House of Representatives. The bill strengthens America’s defense industrial base, enhances global deterrence, and supports service members and their families. The final House package includes four amendments authored by Rep. Crawford that bolster Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities and homeland defense. "This year’s NDAA represents a strong step toward restoring American military strength," said Rep. Crawford. "Rebuilding our munitions stockpiles, securing supply chains, and investing in new technologies ensures our military remains the most lethal force in the world. My amendments will better support our EOD technicians and improve our missile and drone defenses." Highlights of the NDAA: Supports Service Members: Provides a 5-7% pay raise for service members along with targeted retention bonuses and special pay. Quality of Life Improvements: Modernizes barracks and military family housing with over $1.8 billion in investments. Rebuilds the Munitions Arsenal: Authorizes $39 billion in funding to grow munitions inventories, including Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles, Javelins, Stingers, and Tomahawks. Secures Supply Chains: Expands domestic manufacturing and develops a skilled American workforce to reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. Global Deterrence: Funds technologies including autonomous systems, hypersonics, and artificial intelligence while maintaining counterterrorism pressure against adversaries. Rep. Crawford’s Amendments Included in H.R. 8800: EOD Incentive Pay: Establishes an incentive pay schedule for EOD technicians to properly compensate them for their exceptionally hazardous missions. EOD to Law Enforcement Transition Program: Creates a fast-track pipeline for honorably discharged EOD personnel to enter Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers and transition into special agent roles. National Guard Homeland Defense Pilot Program: Establishes a pilot program enhancing Guard EOD units’ capabilities to respond to missile or drone attacks on the homeland. Office of Bombing Prevention Realignment: Relocates the Department of Homeland Security Office of Bombing Prevention to the Office of Intelligence and Analysis to improve intelligence integration and training. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Congressional Steel Caucus Sends Letter in Support of U.S. Automotive Manufacturing

Position: The Congressional Steel Caucus urges the administration to reject any proposal that would lower barriers for Chinese automakers to enter the U.S. market, including through joint ventures or partnerships, citing concerns about manufacturing jobs and national security.

WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this week, Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Vice Chairman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent, Secretary of State Rubio, Trade Representative Greer, and Commerce Secretary Lutnick in light of President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in support of U.S. automotive manufacturing. In the letter, the Caucus members urge the rejection of any proposal that lowers barriers to access for Chinese automakers into American markets or would allow Chinese automakers to enter the U.S. market through joint ventures, partnerships, licensing arrangements, or other collaborative structures with U.S. or third-country firms. The letter also states that maintaining the health of U.S. automotive manufacturing is vital to the success of the domestic steel industry, and that clear action should be taken to address the threat China poses to our domestic industry. “Allowing Chinese automakers to flood our markets with government-subsidized cars or set up manufacturing on our soil would not only be a disservice to the American workforce but also poses a major national security threat,” said Chairman Crawford. “We cannot afford to stand idly by and let our adversaries undermine the steel and manufacturing industries that employ thousands of Americans. Our dealing with the Chinese communists and every nation must prioritize our industries and reflect an America First mindset.” “Thank you to Chairman Crawford for your leadership to highlight this critical issue for American manufacturing and good-paying jobs in light of the important trade discussions in China,” said Vice Chairman Mrvan. “We must continue to do all we can to promote the American steel and automotive industries and ensure that all American workers can compete on a level playing field.” The Steel Manufacturers Association stated, “SMA stands with Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Vice Chair Frank Mrvan (IN-01) of the Congressional Steel Caucus for their leadership in urging the Trump administration to reject any proposal that would allow Chinese automakers to enter the U.S. market. China’s state-backed, non-market practices and persistent cheating pose a direct threat to American manufacturing, industrial capacity, and the livelihoods of American workers. Granting the Chinese Communist Party a foothold in the U.S. automotive sector would have devastating consequences for the men and women who produce America’s steel and build America’s automobiles. The steel and auto industries are foundational to our nation’s economic strength and national security, industries that helped build this country and sustain generations of American communities.” Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute, stated, “AISI applauds the leadership of Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Vice Chairman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01) for their letter to the Trump administration about the clear threat China poses to our domestic auto industry. Chinese government subsidies fuel massive overproduction, which is dumped on global markets, devastating manufacturers who cannot withstand this surge of subsidized goods. Allowing Chinese automakers access to U.S. markets through any structure would undermine the very manufacturing base the administration has pledged to protect. Chinese connected automobiles are an economic and national security threat, and they should be kept out of the country.” Roxanne Brown, International President of the United Steelworkers, stated, “American workers can compete with anyone in the world, but they shouldn’t have to compete against the Chinese Communist Party’s subsidies, overcapacity, and market manipulation. Our economic and national security depend on strong domestic manufacturing, resilient supply chains, and the workers who keep them running. The United Steelworkers thanks Rep. Mrvan and other congressional leaders who are pushing for strong trade enforcement to defend American jobs and industries.” Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, said, “Allowing Chinese automakers to gain access to the U.S. market directly or through joint ventures would hollow out America’s supply chains and undermine our ability to produce steel and other critical materials here at home. The Congressional Steel Caucus is right to draw this line, and the administration should use every available authority to protect domestic manufacturing and our national security.” The letter can be read here. The Congressional Steel Caucus is a bipartisan group of over 100 Members of Congress dedicated to supporting the health and strength of the American steel industry and its workforce.

Rep. Crawford Statement on House Passage of the 2026 Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement in response to the House of Representatives passing the 2026 Farm Bill. “This morning, I was proud to join my colleagues in passing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which included two of my own amendments. I applaud Chairman Thompson for his leadership throughout this process, and I cannot overstate how urgently my district needs this Farm Bill. For the U.S. to be secure, independent, and healthy, we must be able to feed ourselves and keep our food safe, which is just what our nation’s farmers do. With the American producer at the forefront of our minds, this Farm Bill secured many great wins for Arkansas agriculture and realigned our nation’s agricultural policy in the right direction. I am especially proud that my amendments, which would keep the essential activities of the crucial USDA Circuit Rider program operating during government shutdowns and make hot rotisserie chickens SNAP eligible, were included in this Farm Bill. Additionally, I led multiple initiatives included in the Farm Bill’s base text that expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive program (GusNIP) to help needy families purchase fruits and vegetables, prevent Chinese solar companies from receiving USDA funds, and create an Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force to combat trade cheaters, especially India, hurting our farmers. That being said, I recognize this legislation will not be sufficient in meeting the immediate challenges facing producers. I am still fighting for advanced PLC payments and payment limitation relief, and I also support exploring other avenues for additional direct assistance. Today was a momentous day for the agriculture community, and I strongly urge my Senate counterparts under Chairman Boozman’s leadership to move this Farm Bill as soon as possible.”

Congressman Crawford Testifies on His Hot Rotisserie Chicken Amendment to the 2026 Farm Bill

Position: Congressman Crawford advocates for amending the 2026 Farm Bill to allow SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken, arguing it provides affordable, nutrient-dense protein and greater meal flexibility without additional taxpayer burden.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) testified before the House Committee on Rules during its consideration of The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, or the 2026 Farm Bill, on his amendment to allow for the purchase of hot rotisserie chicken with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Watch Congressman Crawford's testimony here or below. Remarks as prepared for delivery. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'll try to be as quick as I can, because I know everybody's got a ton of work to do. I thank you and the Ranking Member for giving me the opportunity to be here today. I come before you today to speak on my amendment number 272 to H.R. 7567, the Food, Farm, and National Security Act of 2026. My amendment seeks to add hot rotisserie chicken to the list of foods eligible for SNAP recipients to purchase. By expanding access to hot rotisserie chicken, we're providing families with a high-quality, nutrient-dense protein source. This directly aligns with the new dietary guidelines for Americans established by the USDA, and is a step toward ensuring that people can nourish themselves and their families with wholesome, fresh food. Hot rotisserie chicken is available at most local grocery stores that accept SNAP, and the average price is around $5 to $6. That's a great bargain considering the multiple meals you can get from one chicken. Plus, there will be no additional financial burden on the taxpayer associated with this amendment. Instead, this targeted expansion provides families with a complete meal and greater flexibility in their meal planning while remaining affordable and within SNAP benefits. Currently, SNAP participants may only purchase cold rotisserie chicken, which is simply refrigerated hot chicken due to an outdated technicality. This requirement not only degrades quality but also wastes energy and adds unnecessary costs. Additionally, some Americans lack easy access to reheating methods, making it difficult for them to warm and consume the cold rotisserie chicken. By allowing the purchase of hot rotisserie chicken, we give families the opportunity to use it as a meal or an ingredient in countless recipes, such as chicken salad, enchiladas, soups, and casseroles, and the list goes on. This meaningful change will allow families to enjoy a wider variety of wholesome meals, and the Governors from my state of Arkansas and seven other states have already requested waivers from USDA to allow their states to make hot rotisserie chicken SNAP eligible. Their leadership demonstrates the growing recognition that this amendment is not only practical and targeted but essential to our constituents. USDA stated that it would grant these waiver requests; however, it does not believe it has the legal authority to do so without Congressional input. So it's time for us to act. I'll stop there, Madam Chair. And if anybody has any questions, I'd be happy to take those. Read the amendment bill text here.

Congressman Crawford Co-Leads Effort to Allow for the Purchase of Hot Rotisserie Chicken with SNAP Benefits

Position: Congressman Crawford supports legislation to allow SNAP participants to purchase hot rotisserie chicken, arguing it provides affordable, nutritious food without increasing taxpayer costs and removes unnecessary regulatory barriers.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Yesterday, Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) introduced H.R. 8403, the Healthy Obtainable Tasty (HOT) Rotisserie Chicken Act, alongside 17 of his colleagues, to allow for the purchase of hot rotisserie chicken with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As President Trump and Secretary Kennedy realigned our nation’s approach to nutrition, the HOT Rotisserie Chicken Act expands access to high-quality, whole foods without expanding cost to the taxpayer. A hot rotisserie chicken, priced at around $5 or $6, offers unbeatable affordability and nutritional value. However, under current regulations, SNAP participants are only able to purchase cold rotisserie chickens. Allowing hot rotisserie chicken SNAP purchases gives working families a great, healthy option to put on their dinner table or use as an ingredient in other common meals. Additionally, this is a bicameral bill with Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) leading the Senate version of the HOT Rotisserie Chicken Act. “It is just plain common sense to allow SNAP participants to purchase a rotisserie chicken with their benefits,” said Congressman Crawford. “Hot rotisserie chicken is healthy, widely available, popular in grocery stores, and aligned with the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans." This legislation, supported by both the National Chicken Council and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, would respond to the request made by multiple states, including Arkansas, to the USDA to include nutritious hot rotisserie chicken in SNAP benefits. “There are few better ways for families to get a healthy, affordable meal than by buying a hot rotisserie chicken - especially if it’s from an Arkansas-raised broiler,” said Governor Sanders. “For too long, this staple has been banned from SNAP purchases because of federal red tape, but Rep. Crawford is leading the way on getting it back on Americans’ tables. I’m grateful for his leadership and look forward to pairing this legislation with my administration’s initiative to get unhealthy options like soft drinks and candy off taxpayer-funded food stamps.” “Allowing folks on SNAP to buy hot rotisserie chickens is truly just common sense. It’s as basic as you can get to help busy parents or grandparents put something as simple as this on the table to feed their families. We have to give people the option to put a healthy, protein-dense choice on the table that actually tastes good and doesn’t take an hour and a half to cook,” said Senator Jim Justice. “The HOT Rotisserie Chicken Act is a commonsense solution to an unnecessary problem. Right now, a SNAP family can buy a cold rotisserie chicken — but the moment it's hot, it's off limits. There is no nutritional difference. There is no logical difference. There is only an outdated technicality that forces grocery stores to heat chickens and cool them back down just to comply, wasting energy, degrading quality, and adding cost. "Rotisserie chicken - a real food - is the most affordable complete protein in the grocery store. At around $7, it can feed an entire family. For the 42 million Americans on SNAP, that matters enormously. "I want to thank Rep. Crawford, and Sens. Justice, Bennett, Fetterman, and Capito for their leadership on this no-cost, commonsense, and long overdue legislation. The National Chicken Council is proud to support it, and we urge Congress to pass it without delay." said National Chicken Council (NCC) President Harrison Kircher. Original Cosponsors of the HOT Rotisserie Chicken Act: Costa (CA-21), Evans (CO-08), Figures (AL-02), Harris (NC-08), Harris (MD-01), Kiggans (VA-02), McBride (DE-AL), McDonald-Rivet (MI-08), McGarvey (KY-03), Moore (AL-01), Moore (UT-01), Moran (TX-01), Sorenson (IL-17), Van Orden (WI-03), Vasquez (NM-02), Westerman (AR-02), Wied (WI-08), Womack (AR-03) Read the bill text HERE .