Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2021
CONTACTS: 
Christian McMullen, (806) 224-5216
Reilly Knecht, (806) 252-6133

Arrington Visits Parmer, Bailey, and Castro Counties To Discuss Challenges Facing West Texas

WASHINGTON, DC—Yesterday, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) traveled across Parmer, Bailey, and Castro counties to discuss the latest challenges facing West Texas healthcare providers, agriculture producers, law enforcement officers, and community leaders. 

“I love being back home with my fellow West Texans discussing the challenges and opportunities facing our nation,” said Rep. Arrington. “From President Biden’s border crisis to the extreme policies of the Green New Deal, West Texas values and interests are absolutely under assault. Nancy Pelosi has put the Radical Left in charge and is using Covid and “infrastructure” as a cover to advance socialist policies that would undermine our freedom, cripple our economy, and threaten our way of life. I am grateful for all the prayers and support from my friends on the South Plains – my time with them continues to inspire me to fight for our beloved country and for the values that made America great.”

Included below are highlights and photos of the day’s events:

Rep. Arrington visited Parmer Medical and the Muleshoe Area Medical District to discuss the challenges of rural healthcare. Without access to quality, affordable healthcare, West Texans wouldn't be able to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation. Rep. Arrington has been a champion for rural healthcare and is currently working to lower prescription drug costs, protect access to telehealth services, and reimburse hospitals based on their value to patients and taxpayers. 

Rep. Arrington also visited the team at Created with Purpose (Pregnancy) Resource Center where he was inspired by their passion for protecting the sanctity of human life. Rep. Arrington has helped lead on pro-life legislation including the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.  He shared his deeply held conviction that all life is God-given, begins at conception, and is endowed with the constitutional right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  

Rep. Arrington also spoke with Friona city leaders and later joined the Farwell Rotary Club to provide a legislative update and listen to the concerns of folks back home in West Texas. 

At a roundtable hosted by Bailey County Sheriff Richard Wills and Muleshoe Police Chief Gary McHone, Rep. Arrington discussed how Biden’s open border policies and local Democrat leaders’ decision to defund the police have created a crime crisis that has threatened the safety of our communities and America’s police officers. In the wake of last summer’s riots, Rep. Arrington introduced legislation to increase penalties for rioting or assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.  He also recently introduced a resolution affirming states’ constitutional right to defend its border and citizens when the federal government fails to do so.  

At an agriculture roundtable in Dimmitt, Rep. Arrington discussed his efforts to defend family-owned farms, ranches, and other businesses from Biden’s extreme environmental regulations and crushing taxes. A recent recipient of the 2020 Golden Plow Award, Rep. Arrington shares the grave concerns of agriculture producers and describes the impact of Biden's proposed, super-charged death tax as “the largest scale and most devastating fire sale of family-owned farming and ranching operations in our nation’s history.” 

Included below are some quotes from local leaders about Congressman Arrington’s visit:

“We were excited for Representative Arrington to come visit us,” said Gayla Quillin, Administrator, Parmer Medical Center. “We appreciate that he takes the time to keep in touch with us and that he listens to what we have to say. It is so important for those of us in rural America to have a voice… he gives us the opportunity to be heard.” 

“It is exciting to have our Ag Champion, Jodey Arrington, come to our area to listen to our concerns and issues we are facing.” said Harry DeWitt, Blue Sky Farms.

“Jodey Arrington is a great leader who values life and the protection of it.” said Joy Heerding, Executive Director, Created with Purpose West Texas. “We are grateful and blessed to have him representing Texas. Thank you for allowing us to show the work we are doing to help our communities!” 

“I was thrilled Representative Arrington came to see how the decisions of the federal government affect our rural area.” said Judge Trey Ellis, Parmer County Judge. “I appreciate what Rep. Arrington does for West Texas.” 

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Congressman Jodey Arrington is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving the Nineteenth Congressional District of Texas. He serves as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.