It’s a new year, but we are still—unfortunately—missing the mark on the economy and other crises. I am sure you have seen today’s jobs report. Instead of economic growth and a roaring recovery, we are seeing disappointing trends and another bad jobs report. The U.S. economy added just 199,000 jobs during the month of December, falling well short of economists’ forecasts. Expectations ranged from 400,000 to 475,000, and the labor force participation rate remains unchanged at 61.9.

Inflation is on the rise. Real wages are decreasing. Now, we just got news of the worst jobs report of this presidency.

Here are some headlines and descriptions of how reporters described the news:

"Another big miss" –CNBC

"Slowest job growth of the year" –CNN

"Gains scant" –MarketWatch

"Economy unexpectedly saw a slowdown in hiring" –Yahoo

The December jobs report was another big miss and the worst of Joe Biden’s presidency

It’s just another point reiterating how the policies of the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats are failing. Furthermore, the pursuit of unconstitutional vaccine mandates is not helping labor shortages. That’s exactly why I am fighting against the Biden Administration’s sweeping and nationwide Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) vaccine mandate on businesses—which is unconstitutional and a great overreach of agency authority.

These measures will likely exacerbate workforce shortages we are seeing throughout critical industries, including healthcare, child welfare, transportation, and education. I have helped introduce legislation like the No Vaccine Mandate Act and also principally support the lawsuit challenging the mandates. I am hopeful the Supreme Court will issue an emergency order to halt them. As I have said, I encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. However, that decision should be a personal choice—not a government mandate.

Inflation is a tax on every American

Their economic mismanagement and out-of-control spending are fueling inflation. It's hitting the wallets of hardworking people, with a poll reporting a majority of Americans are worried about rising rates. Yet, they are still trying to resurrect and pursue their “Build Back Broke” plan. You don’t have to be an expert to know a $5 trillion tax hike and spending spree will stifle the economy, raise prices, and kill jobs. We need a pro-growth agenda—not socialist policies.

I call on my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to implement some resolutions when it comes to this upcoming year. In 2022, we need strong, pro-American measures—not proposals that burden opportunity, growth, and freedom. I—alongside House Republicans—continue to be focused on supporting job creation and getting us back to the thriving economy we had before the pandemic.

Congressman Womack with AHS Principal Brian Kirkendoll and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bryan Duffie

This week, I visited Alma High School and met with some of our incredible educators. It was great to hear from Principal Brian Kirkendoll and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bryan Duffie. Dr. Duffie will become Alma School District Superintendent in June, further building on his work for our students!

We talked about their vision for this next year and the future. Then we headed to meet with teachers. It’s clear that Alma High School’s goal is to empower our kids, helping them learn and grow—and to also reach their full potential.

Congressman Womack speaks to AHS staff

It’s important for me to spend time in classrooms and sit down with educators. Aside from faith and family, the most important thing we do for the future of our country is educating our kids.

Teachers are preparing our future leaders—and that’s a huge responsibility. The community of learning cultivated by them—even in the most challenging of times—is one of the greatest strengths of the Third District. I appreciated sharing personal anecdotes—including my sister’s work in education—talking about our nation’s challenges and successes, and answering their thoughtful questions.

Congressman Womack with AHS Athletic Department 

I also got to meet the AHS Administrative team and Athletic Department staff. I thank everyone for their time, all they do for our students, and for allowing me to stop by today. Your purposed work does not go unnoticed. Go Airedales!

Next week, I will return to Washington as the House comes back into session for the first time in the new year. Before that, I do want to acknowledge that yesterday marked the first anniversary of the January 6^th insurrection. My thoughts on that day have not changed. I was at the U.S. Capitol when it was breached. The safety of law enforcement, staff, and members was threatened as America’s iconic symbol of freedom was desecrated. It will forever be a deeply regretful and shameful day in history. We can’t erase the stain—but we reflect knowing the rule of law and Constitution were upheld. Our burden remains healing the deep divides of our country, addressing the lack of security plan, and ensuring an attack like this never happens again. As I have said from the start, many unanswered questions remain—not the least of which are decisions out of the Speaker’s office regarding actionable intelligence apparently ignored prior to the event. We need those answers. However, there has been little objective action to get to these points. The duty should always be to find and present honest and credible facts, not implement an overtly partisan process. That is the only way to chart a better course forward together.

Wishing you a great weekend! 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. Furthermore, find Arkansas vaccine locations here. I received my booster shot recently and hope you will do the same if you are eligible. As always, I encourage everyone to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but it should be a personal choice, not a federal government mandate.