Challenges Faced by Tom Cotton: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Tom Cotton faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Tom Cotton is an American politician and Army veteran currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Arkansas since 2015. A Republican, he holds the position of Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and is the third-ranking Senate Republican. He also leads the Senate Intelligence Committee, demonstrating his influence and involvement in national security matters.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 2013: Voted in favor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

In June 2013, Tom Cotton voted in favor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, a bill aimed at banning abortion after 20 or more weeks post-fertilization.

July 2013: Opposition to Immigration Reform Proposal

In July 2013, Tom Cotton spoke against the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 during a House Republican meeting. His opposition contributed to the House's decision not to consider the bill.

August 2013: Voted against the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013

In August 2013, Tom Cotton voted against the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013, preferring an alternative that would end the "federal-government monopoly on the student-lending business".

February 2015: Blocking of Cassandra Butts's Nomination

In February 2015, Tom Cotton blocked the nomination of Cassandra Butts, nominated to be the United States ambassador to the Bahamas, along with ambassador nominees to Sweden and Norway, over a Secret Service leak, though the leak was unrelated to the nominees. He later released his holds on the Sweden and Norway nominees but maintained the hold on Butts.

May 26, 2016: Death of Cassandra Butts

On May 26, 2016, Cassandra Butts, whose nomination as United States ambassador to the Bahamas was blocked by Tom Cotton, died while still awaiting a Senate vote.

2016: Opposed an amendment to the 2016 Defense Authorization Act that would impair any future president's ability to authorize torture

In 2016, Tom Cotton was one of 21 Senate Republicans to oppose an amendment to the 2016 Defense Authorization Act that would impair any future president's ability to authorize torture.

January 2018: Protests at Washington Office

In January 2018, five demonstrators were arrested for obstructing Tom Cotton's Washington office while protesting his position on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. They were later released after paying a fine.

December 2018: Senatorial Hold on H.R.7164

In December 2018, Tom Cotton placed a senatorial hold on H.R.7164 – A Bill to add Ireland to the E-3 Non-immigrant Visa Program, preventing it from reaching the Senate floor for consideration.

December 18, 2018: Vote Against the FIRST STEP Act

On December 18, 2018, Tom Cotton voted against the FIRST STEP Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, which passed 87-12.

2018: Death Threats

In 2018, Adam Albrett of Fairfax County, Virginia, was arrested for "faxing death threats" against President Donald Trump and members of Congress, including Tom Cotton.

October 2019: Terroristic Threatening Charge

In October 2019, James Powell, a 43-year-old Arkansas resident, was charged with "first-degree terroristic threatening" after an investigation by U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI for threatening Senator Tom Cotton and Representative Rick Crawford.

January 2020: Goodloe Sentenced for Threatening Letter

In January 2020, Henry Edward Goodloe was sentenced to two years' probation for sending Tom Cotton a threatening letter and a package containing white powder.

August 10, 2020: Sanctioned by the Chinese government

On August 10, 2020, the Chinese government sanctioned Tom Cotton and 10 other Americans for "behaving badly on Hong Kong-related issues".

May 28, 2021: Voted against creating an independent commission to investigate the 2021 United States Capitol attack

On May 28, 2021, Tom Cotton voted against the creation of an independent commission that would investigate the events surrounding the 2021 United States Capitol attack.

September 2021: Rejection of Amendment on Afghan Refugee Assistance

In September 2021, the Senate voted along partisan lines to reject Tom Cotton's amendment that sought to curtail assistance to Afghan refugees and hinder their ability to obtain federally recognized identification cards without proving their identity.

2023: Voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

In 2023, Tom Cotton was among the Senate Republicans who voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, expressing concerns about the bill's limitations on defense spending increases.