Senator Cotton Joins Senator Boozman, Attorney General Tim Griffin, and FBI Director Kash Patel to Discuss China’s Impacts on our Homeland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
January 31, 2026

Senator Cotton Joins Senator Boozman, Attorney General Tim Griffin, and FBI Director Kash Patel to Discuss China's Impacts on our Homeland

Little Rock, AR - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) along with Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas), and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin today hosted FBI Director Kash Patel at a law enforcement roundtable at the Arkansas State Capitol. At the roundtable they heard firsthand from officers about prioritizing the safety and security of Arkansas communities from the threats posed by Communist China. Following the roundtable, Senator Cotton, FBI Director Patel, Senator Boozman, and Attorney General Griffin gave short remarks and took questions from the press.

A full video of the press conference may be found here.

"All of us here-including representatives from major utilities, law enforcement officers, and business leaders-put the safety and security of Arkansans and our communities before all else. One consistent theme we've heard today in our discussions is the threat that Communist China poses to Arkansas is both pressing and urgent, from threatening our critical infrastructure and conducting economic espionage, buying up farmland, flooding our communities with deadly fentanyl, Communist China has taken the fight on the front lines to us here in Arkansas. Thanks to our valuable federal partners such as the FBI and its field office here in Little Rock, Arkansas is leading the charge on countering this threat from Communist China," said Senator Cotton.

"Arkansas is uniquely placed in the fight for national security and reducing violent crime. It is the intersection of one of the greatest agricultural industries we have along with critical infrastructure, cyber, and some of the world's largest companies. Under this Administration with the FBI, President Trump put forward a massive push to crush violent crime and defend the homeland. When we do this together, alongside state and local law enforcement partners, we can accomplish amazing things together. Thank you to Governor Sanders, Senator Cotton, Senator Boozman, and the great partners here today for allowing us to talk about the work we have done and will continue to do with them here in Arkansas," said FBI Director Patel.

"I'm pleased we had the opportunity to focus on public safety for Arkansans and all Americans, including enhancing cooperation to defend our critical infrastructure from threats and protect our communities from the scourge of violent crime and illegal drugs. The best answers come from the ground up, which is why it is so important to hear directly from those on the front lines of this battle, as Senator Cotton and I pursue policies to help increase effectiveness among federal, state and local partners. I'm grateful to Director Patel and Assistant Secretary Adam Telle, as well as Attorney General Griffin, for making it a priority to collaborate on these issues and extend further federal support to safeguard our state," said Senator Boozman.

"Our partnership at the state level with our federal delegation, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office is fundamental in our fight against the criminal activity of Communist China. The threat that China poses through its gray-zone warfare tactics is multifaceted, and our response requires cooperation and vigilance," said Attorney General Griffin.

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