The success of higher education isn’t necessarily measured by the number of diplomas distributed, but by the lasting impacts of its graduates on society. Through stronger communities, greater economic opportunity, and excellent leadership, these scholars often yield a return on the investment made in their education in immeasurable dividends.

Here in the Fourth District, we are especially blessed with so many wonderful options for receiving an education after high school graduation. From the northern part of the district all the way down to the southernmost portion, I’m always pleased to visit with leaders from these colleges and universities to hear more about the deep, personal impact they are making on the lives of their students.

Through education programs that provide hands-on opportunities, like trade schools or vocational training, and a typical lecture hall experience, these schools are providing future generations of Arkansans with the tools they need to pour into their communities and become exceptional leaders.

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Arkansas Tech and the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. During these visits, the staff took great care to make sure my staff and I were able to hear and see how these higher education institutions are benefiting their local communities.

Coming back to Washington this week with these visits fresh in my mind, it was certainly easy to vote in support of legislation brought to the House Floor that works to benefit our schools and students alike.

The No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026 puts measures in place to ensure that student aid funding isn’t being drained by bad actors who take advantage of such a beneficial system through scams or fraud. It is crucial that schools verify student identity for applications that have been flagged as suspicious before disbursing the aid. And more awareness must be brought to the school’s attention if any suspicion of identity fraud is detected.

House Republicans continue to deliver on our promise of rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse so that our systems can work for the people they were intended to serve, rather than those who game the system.