Washington Update

Space Force

Congressman Womack receives Space Force seal 

Between this week’s anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon and recent launches, we’ve seen a lot of space news lately! This is just a glimpse of the exploration and work happening on this frontier. I was honored to receive the Space Force seal from military officials and also get an update on their service.

The U.S. Space Force (USSF) organizes, trains, and equips our military space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands.

New Space Force seal hangs alongside other military branch emblems 

Ensuring we have security in space affects everyone’s daily lives. From the defense of satellites and map applications on your phone, to what programs are on your television and knowing the weather, the Space Force will be a frontline of defense for this important domain. The seal is hanging next to our other military branch emblems. I am extremely proud of our Armed Forces.

A big thank you to Lt. Col. Susie Dunham and Maj. Michael Vinacco for stopping in!

Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas   

Congressman Womack introduces Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas representatives to Ukrainian leaders

It’s always great to have Arkansans in D.C. Mel Coleman, President and CEO of North Arkansas Electric, his grandson Jack, and Kirkley Thomas of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas visited my office. We discussed the expansion of broadband in Arkansas and the role that North Arkansas Electric Cooperative is playing. Energy and infrastructure are critically important to the Natural State.

We also talked about the Flexible Financing for Rural America Act, a bill that allows electric cooperatives to refinance U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Service loans at lower interest rates. I am a cosponsor of this legislation, which will help stabilize the finances of the nation’s rural electric cooperatives and rural broadband providers. By allowing rural electric cooperatives and telecommunications providers to refinance their Rural Utilities Service debt at lower interest rates, they will be provided more flexibility in managing their cash flow. This will allow them to invest in rural communities and pass savings on to customers and residents.

We wrapped up the meeting with conversations on partisan gridlock and issues surrounding the upcoming infrastructure package.

Ukraine

Congressman Womack with Ukrainian parliament members and other country representatives

This week, the United States and Germany announced they reached a deal allowing completion of Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The agreement is a huge mistake. The White House has failed to take needed steps to stop the project and implement congressionally mandated sanctions. I heard firsthand about the threat this initiative poses to Ukraine from members of their parliament.

The implications of Nord Stream 2 are deeply startling, and no amount of spin can distract from the facts. President Biden has enabled this geopolitical weapon for Putin at every turn. I sat with Ukrainian leaders in my office as they expressed the devastating consequences of this project.

The group discussed Nord Stream 2, defense issues, and Ukraine’s quest for freedom against Russian aggression

It will leave their people and European energy at the mercy of Moscow. If President Biden listened to what I did, he would hear how his actions are ceding power to an adversary of democracy. The Administration’s current posture is shaping up to be one of the greatest foreign policy blunders in recent history.

Additionally, the Ukrainian delegation and I discussed defense efforts and programs to deter Russian aggression, NATO issues, and defense programs. They also reflected on a past trip to the Natural State and meeting Johnelle Hunt. The Ukrainian members shared how impressed they were with her company, leadership, and commitment to supporting our global partners. I made sure to call Mrs. Hunt and give her an opportunity to reflect on these memories and stories from their previous visit. The group was very excited to speak with her! Arkansans are proud to support Ukraine’s goals of peace, freedom, and democracy.

Arkansas Special Education Administrators

Congressman Womack giving a Washington update 

Strong educators are core parts of our schools. I appreciated speaking with Dr. Brigid Bright, Harrison School District Director of Special Services, Celeste Michaud, Rogers Special Education Teacher, and Nancy Young, Rogers Special Education Specialist, to talk about special education programs and resources throughout the Third District. We also conversed about education appropriations, school mental health, and educator shortages. I provided them with an update on recent developments related to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. I appreciated their time and am grateful for their work on behalf of our students.

Vaccines

Congressman Womack speaks to Colonel (Ret.) Robert Ator, Director of Military Affairs for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Program Manager for Arkansas Vaccine Distribution

Science and the power of Operation Warp Speed—led by former President Trump—have brought us several safe and effective vaccines. But, to unleash the full power of this ingenuity and combat the impact of new coronavirus variants, we need these shots to reach residents. I strongly encourage every eligible Arkansan to get vaccinated. I received my full vaccination back in January and am thankful for the work of medical professionals across the state.

Healthcare leaders who are part of the Arkansas Hospital Association and Colonel (Ret.) Robert Ator, Director of Military Affairs for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Program Manager for Arkansas Vaccine Distribution, both recently shared with me the startling rise of unvaccinated Arkansans ending up in the hospital with complications due to the coronavirus. We need to turn this trend around.

If you have questions or concerns, touch base with your doctor to get answers, the facts, and discuss how receiving the vaccine will help protect you and your family. As a reminder, all Arkansans age 12 or older are eligible to receive them. You can also visit the Arkansas Department of Health website here for more vaccine location information or call 1-800-985-6030. Each dose administered is another step toward ending this pandemic.

Legislative Initiatives Roundup:

Congressman Womack supported various legislative proposals and initiatives this week

• White House Censorship: The Biden Administration’s ongoing efforts to pressure private companies to censor speech that it disagrees with is alarming and an affront to the First Amendment. I joined hundreds of my colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to abandon their censorship mission and respond to inquiries regarding their coordination with social media companies to censor Americans. In part, we wrote: “As staunch defenders of the First Amendment and free speech, our position is simple: the answer to speech you disagree with should be more speech, not less. As the President of the United States, you have a duty to defend the Constitution. Every American cherishes free speech, but your administration is attacking this fundamental right.” Read the full letter here.
• Denouncing Socialism: I joined Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and many others in introducing a resolution denouncing the horrors of socialism. This resolution outlines several historical examples of the greatest crimes and tragedies of socialism, and why such a system goes against the founding principles of our great nation. It specifically highlights examples in the USSR, China, Cambodia, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela. As protests in Cuba and other places across the globe shine a light on repression, we will always steadfastly stand against socialist regimes and policies that stifle freedom and liberty. Read the resolution here.
• Stopping Critical Race Theory (CRT): I recently cosponsored the Stop CRT Act, legislation that will fully defund efforts to spread CRT and will also codify the Trump Administration’s Executive Order that would keep this philosophy out of the federal government entirely. CRT is an ideology that divides people by race and preaches that America is a fundamentally oppressive country. This controversial and reckless theory should never be taught or advocated, and taxpayer dollars should never go towards supporting this divisive and extreme agenda.
• Passport Letter: I, alongside French Hill (AR-02) and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to implement policies to increase the timely issuance of passports. We outlined the delays both constituents and staff members have faced calling the National Passport Information Center asking for updates on passport applications. Read the letter here.

Remember to keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the Third District and Washington. Also, if you are having issues with a federal agency or have a casework question, don’t forget to check out my office’s upcoming mobile office hours here!