Washington Update

Appropriations Markup

Congressman Womack offers an amendment to fix flawed appropriations legislation

Today, the House Appropriations Committee concluded the markup process of the twelve appropriations bills that need to be passed to fund the government. Although these bills will technically be advanced to the floor—our work is nowhere near done. Not only are the spending levels unworkable, but these proposals are filled with controversial and poison pill riders. Republican members tried to fix these. Over the last several sessions, we have offered sensible amendments to improve these bills. Unfortunately, most of these amendments were rejected on party-line votes.

For example, this week, I demanded Democrats stop their extreme move to eliminate the Hyde Amendment and other pro-life provisions traditionally included in annual appropriations bills. The Hyde Amendment—which was first enacted in 1976 and has had broad bipartisan support for decades—prevents federal taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for abortions. During the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill markup, I rose to fight for the unborn, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and urge a stop to proxy legislating.

As I started my remarks, I noted my frustration with the fact that a member was participating in the markup virtually because she was dedicating a courthouse. I thought that our provisions for proxy voting were based on concerns about the coronavirus. We need to re-evaluate the conditions under which we're allowing people to miss their congressional duty by opting out of these in-person appearances.

I asked everyone to remember what our duty is at these meetings. Our duty is to fund the government. And, hopefully in a timely way, although we're probably going to be a little short on that expectation. The broken budget and appropriations process is a whole nother story. But we're not going to fund the government—at least in this bill—without these life-saving provisions.

Congressman Womack speaks to protect the unborn and pro-life provisions 

Without the Hyde and Weldon amendments, this bill will never become law. And, I know I represent a lot of people in the Third District of Arkansas that do not believe that taxpayers should be forced to fund abortions. That's why I'm in the strongest opposition to the absence of this language.

The bill will not become law without the language. I will not support this package until this straightforward, longstanding provision that safeguards taxpayers from funding abortions is included. We must uphold the sanctity of life by protecting the unborn.

Additionally, I also advocated for our vital livestock haulers. Trucking is very challenging under normal circumstances, and the pandemic has made it even more difficult. Our livestock haulers face unique challenges as they ensure motorist safety while tending to the health and welfare of the animals they are transporting. 

My amendment is simple, time-tested, and should be non-controversial. It would continue the existing Electronic Logging Device exemption for livestock haulers. This exemption acknowledges and provides the flexibility drivers need when hauling live animals rather than dry goods, and it ensures livestock are transported safely and effectively. It also reflects insights from haulers like the late Ray Baker of Russellville. He came to me to talk about the importance of this exemption for haulers, and I won’t stop fighting for our drivers who keep America and Arkansas moving. This is about animal safety, driver flexibility, and supply chain strength.

Now more than ever, we must use our role as appropriators to make fiscally responsible decisions. Our national debt is exceeding $28 trillion—and we are seeing the inflation impacts of the previous excessive spending packages recently implemented by Democrats. Again, I will not support these bills until problematic provisions are removed and the unworkable spending levels are amended. In the weeks ahead, I will continue advocating against controversial measures and out-of-control spending.

Advocating for the National Guard

Congressman Womack previously meeting with Arkansas National Guard securing the Capitol

I was joined by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42), House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Kay Granger (TX-12), and other House Republican Appropriators in introducing a bill to fully reimburse the National Guard for its mission to secure the U.S. Capitol and surrounding grounds. Without this warranted funding, the National Guard will be forced to cancel critical trainings that will impact readiness, operations, and our men and women in uniform.

Whenever America calls, our National Guard members are “Always Ready, Always There.” Over the last year, these citizen soldiers have dutifully carried out every mission asked of them. This bill is a simple solution to a problem that shouldn’t exist. Instead of partisan bickering and bloated spending packages that do not meet the definition of “emergency,” it’s time for Congress to do its most basic duty and provide our men and women in uniform with the funding they are owed.

Congressman Womack introduced a clean supplemental funding bill

If the National Guard is not provided the supplemental funding they are due by August 1^st, they estimate their readiness capabilities will decrease by fifteen to twenty percent. Many units nationwide and in U.S. territories will be forced to:

• Cancel annual training and individual duty training assemblies from August to September
• Halt training site and armory upgrades
• Cease some flying operations
• Suspend training vehicle movement and maintenance for months
• Deny guard members the ability to obtain the necessary service time to receive credit for a full duty year

The bill prevents this shortfall and supports our citizen soldiers by simply appropriating the $521 million owed to the Guard for its deployment. Unlike previous “supplemental packages,” this one does not include extraneous or partisan provisions and could be quickly signed into law.

Click here to read the bill.

Supporting the Cuban People

Congressman Womack stands in solidarity with the Cuban people

I joined Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) in introducing a resolution standing with the Cuban people and their struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights. The people of Cuba have recently risen to protest the failed socialist policies and communist rule that has suppressed them, destroyed the economy, and led to severe shortages of vital supplies like food and medicine. Thousands have disregarded their safety and taken to the streets for the first time in more than six decades.

As they call for liberty and march under Old Glory, the people of Cuba are risking everything to confront a communist dictatorship that has brutally suppressed them for decades. They recognize the massive fraud perpetrated by their leaders. The result being a decimated economy, severe human rights violations, and lack of basic necessities. This rise against tyranny is somewhat reminiscent of our nation’s own beginning. I proudly stand in solidarity with the Cuban people as they pursue self-determination and freedom. Those actively advocating for communist and socialist policies would do well to learn from these present-day realities.

Click here to read the full text of the resolution.

West Point

As I mentioned last week, I traveled to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to observe cadet training and meet the newest class of young men and women who are embarking on their journey of service to our nation. USMA’s motto is defined by Duty, Honor, Country, and I saw firsthand as cadets were immersed in rigorous training to help prepare them to fulfill the commitment to those three hallowed words. I wanted to share a few pictures and highlights from the trip below. Go Army!

Congressman Womack with Cadet Kale Sheets of Fort Smith

Congressman Womack huddles with Arkansas cadets after lunch

Congressman Womack with Cadet Tyler Moran of Fort Smith

Congressman Womack with Cadet Luke McCurdy of Rogers

Congressman Womack speaks with Cadet Mackenzie of Little Rock

Congressman Womack with USMA sports captains Cedrick Cunningham (football), Anna Tovkach (track), Nick Isenhower (swimming)

Receiving a briefing on Cadet Basic Training Marksmanship

Speaking with cadets before they practice how to unload a Blackhawk helicopter

Cadet Travis Afuso—Commander of Cadet Leader Development Training (CLDT)—provides an update on current operations

Discussing Basic Rifle Marksmanship training with Cadet Captain Barry

Congressman Womack with Cadet Catherine Theut of Texas