Eric Alan "Rick" Crawford is an Americanpolitician who has been the U.S. Representative for since 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party. Before he was elected to Congress, Crawford was a radio announcer, businessman, and U.S. Army soldier.
After an injury ended his rodeo career, Crawford turned to radio. During that time his also tried his hand at country music. In 1994 under Legacy, Inc. released an album titled Crackin' Out. The album was recorded at Haage Studios in Kirbyville, MO. Crawford dedicated the project to that "dyin' breed to called 'Cowboy'"
;2010 Crawford chose to run for Arkansas' 1st congressional district after Democratic U.S. Representative Marion Berry decided to retire. Crawford received the endorsements of GovernorTim Pawlenty of Minnesota, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, former federal official Asa Hutchinson, and former U.S. Representative Ed Bethune of Arkansas' 2nd congressional district. He won the Republican primary, defeating Princella Smith 72 to 28 percent. He won the general election, defeating Berry's chief of staff Chad Causey 52 to 43 percent. ;2012 Crawford won re-election to a second term by defeating Democratic prosecutor, Scott Ellington, 56 to 39 percent. ;2014 Crawford won re-election to a third term, defeating Heber SpringsMayor Jackie McPherson 63 to 33 percent. ;2016 Crawford won re-election to a fourth term, defeating Libertarian candidate Mark West 76 to 24 percent. ;2018 Crawford won re-election to a fifth term, defeating Democratic candidate Chinton Desai 70 to 29 percent.
Tenure
On January 5, 2011, Crawford was sworn into office as a member of the 112th Congress. He is the first Republican to represent his district in Washington since Reconstruction. The last Republican to represent the district was Asa Hodges who vacated the seat on March 3, 1875, during Reconstruction. Crawford is a member of the Republican Study Committee. Crawford voted to repeal U.S. President Barack H. Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and to return federal non-security spending to fiscal year 2008 levels. He also voted to terminate taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions. In 2010, Crawford signed a pledge sponsored by Americans for Prosperity to vote against any global warming legislation that would raise taxes. Crawford supported President Donald Trump's 2017 executive order to impose a ban on travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries, saying that the order was "designed to keep our nation safer" although "Green card holders and aides of the U.S. military should be allowed entry." Crawford voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, supporting tax reform. He believes that the bill will make it easier for people to file their taxes and that "the vast majority of middle-income families in my district will get to keep more of their money to use as they wish." He also believes that local businesses will hire more and provide pay raises to current employers in the wake of the bill's implementation. In 2019, Crawford received a death threat from James Powell, 43 and a resident of Arkansas. Powell was charged "first-degree terroristic threatening" following an investigation by U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI. The charge carries a maximum six-year prison sentence and $10,000 fine.
Legislation
On January 18, 2013, Crawford introduced the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act into the House. The bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to modify the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule, which regulates oil discharges into navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. The rule requires certain farmers to develop an oil spill prevention plan that is certified by a professional engineer and may require them to make infrastructure changes. According to supporters, this bill would "ease the burden placed on farmers and ranchers" by making it easier for smaller farms to self-certify and raising the level of storage capacity under which farms are exempted.
On Nov 8th, Rep Rick Crawford announced he would temporarily resign from his seat on the House Intelligence Committee. Taking his place is Rep Jim Jordan. This move is to allow Jim Jordan to take lead on President Donald Trump's public impeachment hearings. Crawford indicated he would be reinstated back to his position once the "impeachment hoax" has concluded.
Political positions
Abortion
Crawford is pro-life. He opposes federal funds being used in health plans to cover abortion and supports abortion only to be used in case of rape, incest or if the mother's life is threatened.
;LGBTQ Crawford opposed the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling legalizing same-sex marriage and believes that it should have been decided state-by-state, not by the Supreme Court. He co-sponsored the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act which would prohibit the federal government from acting against anti-same-sex marriage opinions. ;Women Crawford opposed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2013.
Corporations
Crawford has a 0% rating from the UFCW for his pro-management voting record.
Crawford co-sponsored the Sensible Environmental Protection Act. The act would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and Clean Water Act to allow for legal pesticide runoff in lakes and streams without permitting. He also co-sponsored the Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act, allowing for forest road runoff without permitting. ;Animal welfare Crawford co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act, which would regulate dog breeders to 50 dogs per kennel.
Crawford opposes the Environmental Protection Agency regulating farms and ranches. He signed the No Pork Pledge from Citizens Against Government Waste. He co-sponsored the STOCK Act. He opposes using government funds for paying for art considered "offensive."
Guns
Crawford is pro-gun rights and opposes restrictions related to the Second Amendment.
Crawford voted in support of banning armed forces in Libya without Congressional approval in 2011. That same year, he opposed efforts to remove US troops from Afghanistan and supported sanctions against Iran in the Iran Threat Reduction Act.
Welfare and poverty
Crawford supports laws requiring welfare recipients to work.
Personal life
Crawford and his wife, Stacy, live in Jonesboro with their children. He attends Nettleton Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in Jonesboro.
