Washington Update

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

The above phrase is used often for many different scenarios—but I had to start with it because it truly epitomizes Congress this week. The Democrat internal civil war has not only driven the radical policies coming out of their caucus, but it has held action on the legislative floor hostage (again).

As I write this to you, Speaker Pelosi has recessed the House with no guidance on when votes are expected. This type of postponement is NOT because the other side decided to “wake up” and address the border crisis, pass full-year appropriations, prioritize fiscal sanity, recognize inflation, implement transparency regarding the Afghanistan withdrawal, hold China accountable, or focus on the labor shortages happening because of their misguided policies—it’s because Speaker Pelosi is desperately trying to negotiate infighting in her party to prevent an embarrassing blow to her ego and the Biden Administration’s multi-trillion dollar socialist boondoggle.

And, I will note that on top of the disorder on the floor, they are also peddling lies about this proposal. President Biden said it “costs zero dollars,” and Speaker Pelosi reiterated that lie, while also saying she doesn’t want to talk "numbers and dollars.”

Basic math tells the real story.

$4.3+ trillion in new spending

$2.1 trillion in new taxes

$2.4 trillion in more debt

Something that apparently costs “nothing” sure has a lot of zeroes and commas…

A vote for the Democrats' Trojan Horse "infrastructure" package is a vote for the largest tax increase and the largest spending package in U.S. history that will increase taxes, cause inflation to skyrocket, and make businesses in America less competitive. 

Our nation is desperate to rebuild its infrastructure. I support investment for roads, bridges, waterways, rural broadband, and ongoing maintenance. But that is not what this bill is about. Imagine if, instead of trying to save face and caving to the most extreme members of her conference, she reached across the aisle to institute needed reforms and changes to develop fiscally workable and effective legislation.

I’m extremely frustrated with the ineffective governance and failure to even look for consensus. These points are part of the reasons why I opposed the Democrats’ attempts to raise the debt ceiling and advance a continuing resolution.

For three years, House Democrats have been on a spending spree, totally oblivious to the mounting debt of our nation. Worse yet, they have denied Republicans a seat at the table for reforms purposed in improving our balance sheet. Our country cannot afford the size and scope of government envisioned by Democrats. It’s pretty simple—if they don’t want our input in these massive spending measures, they can go it alone on raising the credit limit.

Additionally, I could not support Congress kicking the fiscal year budget down the road again. We’ve had months to fulfill our responsibilities, yet Democrats continue to push an extreme agenda with the most radical reimagination of the federal government in U.S. history. My vote reflects the need for full-year appropriations with spending reforms that quit mortgaging the futures of our children and grandchildren. These eleventh-hour proposals don’t fix the problem—they ARE the problem.

I didn’t take these votes lightly, but this type of doomsday legislating must end. So, as we wait for any sort of timing on floor action, I will continue to fight against policies that will only further the crushing burden of debt and economic destruction of our nation.

Other notes and meetings:

Judicial Conference: An independent judiciary that holds the trust and respect of our citizens, and can resolve criminal, civil, and bankruptcy disputes in a fair and expeditious manner, is fundamental to our nation. I spoke during the Judicial Conference with judges and other Congress members about a range of policies, including funding, court operation costs and budgets, and related legislation. As the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, which has appropriations jurisdiction over the Judiciary, it’s important we discuss these issues. As I said during my remarks, while I am committed to providing the necessary resources for the judiciary, I am concerned that our excess spending today will result in the Appropriations Committee having significantly less funding to allocate in the future when we need to stabilize the federal government’s finances. My hope is that Congress will come together to create a process that makes continual resolutions, excessively big omnibuses, and government shutdowns a thing of the past.

Congressman Womack speaks during the Judicial Conference 

OG&E and Enable Midstream Partners: I welcomed Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) and Enable Midstream Partners to my office. We talked about the infrastructure bill and reconciliation package and its potential impacts on electricity and natural gas. We discussed provisions that would harm our energy resiliency and reliability, including the Methane Fee and the Clean Electricity Performance Program. Policies coming out of Congress should always help America’s energy independence and support lower costs for residents.

Congressman Womack with OG&E and Enable Midstream Partners after discussing energy issues

Arkansas Orthopedic Surgeons: The Third District is home to many amazing medical and health professionals who dedicate their lives to helping Arkansans. I appreciated sitting down with Dr. Scott Cooper of Rogers—who is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons—to talk about Medicare, the Research Investment to Spark the Economy (RISE) Act, which focuses on investments related to scientific research. We also discussed issues facing health care and policy initiatives that would support or be harmful to the medical system and health providers.  

Congressman Womack with Dr. Scott Cooper of Rogers

Natural State Neurologists: It was a privilege to virtually meet with more of our esteemed medical providers as I spoke with Doctor Anthony Davis of Russellville and Doctor Rohit Dhall of Little Rock. We talked about the importance of bringing more medical talent to the region and growing more graduate medical education slots to attract and retain specialty doctors in NWA. We also talked about telehealth and how its expansion during the pandemic has been helpful for their patients and practice. I am supportive of telehealth programs and the convenience it provides to rural Arkansans. It's also important we have the broadband infrastructure to support these capabilities.

Congressman Womack during American Academy of Neurology meeting 

AIPAC: Israel is our most important ally in the Middle East, and it's critically important to the security and strength of both our nations that our relationship remains strong and grows through each generation. I spoke with AIPAC members from Arkansas about U.S.-Israeli relations, my support for Iron Dome funding, the continued concerning signs of anti-Semitism from some Democrat representatives. We also talked about the Israel Relations Normalization Act, legislation that I proudly cosponsored. The bill builds upon the Abraham Accords, the peace and normalization agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, by stating that U.S. policy is to strengthen and expand these normalization agreements.

Congressman Womack after speaking with AIPAC members about Iron Dome legislation 

Army Corps of Engineers: Strong water infrastructure is a critical component of the nation. From our ports and supply chain to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work, the impact of local waterways on the Natural State is far-reaching. I sat down with fellow Arkansans Colonel Eric Noe, Craig Pierce, and Jason Gramlich—who support the Army Corps of Engineers—to discuss several projects in Arkansas on Beaver Lake and the MKARNS.  We also talked about the Davis-Bacon Act and other service contracts that cost taxpayer-funded projects in both time and money. As an appropriator, I will continue advocating for smart investments that support the Corps’ critical work in our community.

Congressman Womack with Army Corps of Engineers

Transportation Intermediaries Association: I had a great meeting with Matt Meeks and Brad Sneed of the Transportation Intermediaries Association. We talked about vital Third District businesses like ArcBest, the importance of infrastructure improvements, and fiscal responsibility. We also spoke about the Ocean Carrier Shipping Reform Act. I cosponsored this bipartisan bill, which would institute the first major update of federal regulations for the global ocean shipping industry since 1998. The bill supports American exports by establishing reciprocal trade opportunities to help reduce the United States’ longstanding trade imbalance with China and other countries.

Congressman Womack with Transportation Intermediaries Association members

Australian Ambassador: I visited with Australian Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos. We discussed U.S.-Australia bilateral relations, trade ties, defense cooperation, and Indo-Pacific security priorities. I supported Australia’s decision to partner with the U.S. and U.K. to build nuclear-powered submarines as they face new challenges in the theater. Ambassador Sinodinos also spoke of increased efforts to enhance their cyber and electronic warfare capabilities. It’s important that we continue to strengthen America's diplomacy and promote democracy around the world.

Congressman Womack with Australian Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos

Bella Vista Bypass: This week, we marked a milestone that has been a long time coming! The Bella Vista Bypass opening is a game-changer for our state’s transportation system. It will modernize the I-49 corridor to support Arkansas families and a new phase in the connection of our roads and regional commerce.

This week marked the grand opening of the Bella Vista Bypass

Classified Briefing: We must have accountability related to the disastrous withdrawal in Afghanistan. I attended a classified briefing with the Deputy Director of the CIA to hear more about the situation and where we go from here. While I can’t divulge many aspects, I will say we must ensure that no American citizen is left behind. I cosponsored the Afghanistan Withdrawal Oversight and Liability Act, which mandates additional reporting requirements on the evacuation, any deals with the Taliban, and equipment left behind. The bill would also block federal funds from going to the Taliban and ensures we will not provide sanctions relief.

Wishing you a great weekend ahead! You can keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from my office. 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! 

P.S.: Let’s go Hogs. The Razorbacks are up against Georgia tomorrow. WPS! Calling all AR-3 middle and high school students. Do you have a passion for coding or a great idea for a new app? Sign up for the Congressional App Challenge today! Submissions are due by November 1. Learn more about the competition here.