Mr. President, I speak today in support of Mr. Jay Clayton's nomination to be the next Director of National Intelligence. Earlier this month, Mr. Clayton appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where he answered hundreds of written questions for the record and provided detailed testimony on his approach to serving in this new role. As part of these discussions, Mr. Clayton assured the committee that he would assist our efforts to return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to its original size, scope, and mission.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+36$4.5M raised
Tom Cotton
Senator · Arkansas · Republican
Tom Cotton
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Madam President, I speak today in recognition of the bravery, courage, and valor of nearly 9,000 men and women in the Arkansas National Guard. Day in and day out, the heroes of our National Guard protect our communities and our homeland, stand at the ready to respond to natural disasters, and defend our freedom around the world. Their work is having a huge impact on many fronts.
Mr. President, Lindsey Graham was a self-made American original. Born in Central, SC, Lindsey grew up in a room behind his parents' bar and pool hall, where he worked to help the family make ends meet and earned the nickname ``Stinkball'' from its patrons because of his sense of humor and his irrepressible nature and his rascal streak, as he called it. I saw that in my first experience with Lindsey Graham. I traveled with him and Senator McCain to the Munich Security Conference in 2013 as a brandnew Congressman.
Biography
Tom Cotton, a former U.S. Army officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was elected as the U.S. Senator for Arkansas in 2014. He has focused on national security, immigration policy, and economic growth throughout his tenure. Cotton played a prominent role in shaping military policy as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and introduced legislation to strengthen border enforcement. He is known for his direct approach and commitment to representing Arkansas’s conservative values in the Senate.
Education
- J.D., Harvard University2002
- B.A., Magna cum laude, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA1999
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2015–PresentSenator from Arkansas. 2 terms.
U.S. Representative
2013–2015Represented Arkansas's 4th congressional district for 1 term.
Attorney
Management Consultant
Policy Focus
International Affairs14%
Crime and Law Enforcement9%
Armed Forces and National Security6%
Health5%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Tom Cotton's record in Congress.
Military Justice Reform
Co-sponsored the Military Justice Improvement Act to address sexual assault and misconduct in the armed forces.
COVID-19 Early Warning
Raised early public and Senate awareness about the COVID-19 threat and advocated for travel restrictions from China.
Veterans Affairs Accountability
Supported and helped pass the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act to improve oversight at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Countering Chinese Espionage
Introduced legislation to restrict Chinese government access to U.S. research and academic institutions.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Select Committee on IntelligenceChairman
- Joint Economic Committee
- Senate Committee on Armed Services
- Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Sen. Tom Cotton FAQ
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Senator Cotton focuses on International Affairs, Crime and Law Enforcement and Armed Forces and National Security. Deliver personalized constituent letters to Arkansas's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.
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