Washington Update

Legislative Business

This week, the House passed a short-term funding extension. Legislating by continuing resolution (CR) is far from responsible, but it keeps the government running. Finally devoid of poison pills and a product of bipartisan consensus, this stopgap continues funding levels secured by the previous administration. My vote was purposed in keeping good-faith negotiations going as Congress works across party lines to deliver full-year, responsible appropriations. I hope my Democrat colleagues continue to be genuine and negotiate in earnest. I am hearing a framework that includes both longstanding pro-life protections—which were originally eliminated by Democrats—and proper defense funding levels—which were being stripped by the far-left progressive wing of the Majority party—is being crafted. I will not support anything that includes radical provisions focused on advancing a liberal wish list. It’s irresponsible and no way to govern. Furthermore, with exploding inflation and debt, we need to be duly focused on implementing comprehensive blueprints that bring sanity to our nation’s fiscal trajectory.

Surprisingly, the actions related to the CR were not the only bipartisan movement on the floor this week. The People’s House also delivered legislation to modernize the Postal Service and ensure it remains viable. With a strong vote of Republicans and Democrats, the Postal Service Reform Act was passed. The legislation enhances operational efficiencies, helps implement Postmaster General DeJoy’s reform plan, provides key oversight tools to enhance transparency, and ensures the six-day delivery of mail and packages for all Americans.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been an integral part of our nation from its founding. In fact, it’s outlined in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7 of the Constitution, which states that Congress has the power “to establish post-offices and post-roads.” As a constitutional institution, Congress has a responsibility to conduct oversight and ensure the organization remains solvent. The Postal Service Reform Act will allow the USPS to adapt to changing times and set it on a path towards financial sustainability.

I also called on President Biden to take immediate action on fentanyl. Chinese producers have exploited Mexico’s trafficking networks through our porous southern border to unleash poison across our communities. Illicit fentanyl is now the number one cause of death of Americans aged 18-45. We don’t need more stolen lives and devastated families.

President Biden should be using every tool to hold these drug cartels responsible. Right now, fentanyl related substances have been on a temporary scheduling for Schedule I classification. That means possession and sale of synthetic drugs are pursued and prosecuted most vigorously by law enforcement agencies. The current Schedule I classification will expire February 18, 2022, when government funding expires. Permanently making fentanyl a Schedule I drug to ensure criminals face severe consequences and securing our border is exactly where he should start. Read more about my actions here.

Other Notes and Meetings

Congressman Womack talks to Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General James McConville

Army Chief of Staff: I stand with Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General James McConville in our shared commitment to securing America and supporting our troops. I appreciated having him stop by the office to discuss military readiness, modernization, and how the Army is ready to meet U.S. needs. We also talked about defense appropriations and growing threats abroad. As I have always said, our courageous men and women in uniform will always answer the call to defend freedom.

Inflation Record: First, the White House said inflation was “temporary” and a “high-class issue.” In December, President Biden claimed it had “peaked.” Now, we’ve reached another 40-year high inflation record. As I am sure you read, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surged 7.5% over the past year, the highest reading since February 1982. Inflation is a tax on every American—and it has increased every month of Joe Biden’s presidency. Americans are paying more and having their paychecks and wallets eaten up by Democrat spending and policies. We need to reverse the failed Democrat economic agenda.

Congressman Womack with NWACC leadership

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC): Representatives from NWACC were in Washington this week. I heard about important school and curriculum updates, emerging education programs, enhancing Career and Technical Education (CTE), and updates related to the recently created Cross Country team! A big thank you to Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, Chuck Jorgenson, Dr. Ricky Tompkins, Joe Spivey, and Suzanne Spivey for stopping in. Your work on behalf of educating Arkansans does not go unnoticed!

National Debt Clock: For the first time in the history of the United States, the national debt has surpassed $30 trillion. In the one year that President Joe Biden has been in office and the Democrat Party has had full control of Congress, the debt has risen by over $2 trillion – and shows no sign of slowing down. I cosponsored a national debt clock resolution, which will direct the Clerk of the House to place a national debt clock in the House Chamber. This will provide more transparency to the American people and serve as a reminder to lawmakers as they vote on proposals that will increase the national debt. We can’t overlook the fiscal state of our nation.

Congressman Womack gives a Washington update

National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas: I spoke to members of the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas from the Third District and across the Natural State. We discussed my cosponsorship and support for the Access Technology Affordability Act, which would create a tax credit to help blind and visually impaired Americans be able to access more adapted computers, text-to-speech screen access software, and electronic Braille displays used to access computers, tablets, smartphones, and digital content. The bill is important to reducing financial barriers to technology and resources important to blind Arkansans—and I am proud to support it.

Can’t Cancel Your Own Debt Act: Some congressional representatives calling for student loans to be completely eliminated have a combined loan debt of $1.8 million. That’s not only a conflict of interest given they would personally benefit, but their debt burdens would fall on the American taxpayer. That’s wrong. I signed onto the Can’t Cancel Your Own Debt Act, legislation that would disqualify members of Congress from participating in federal student loan cancelation programs enacted during their tenure. They shouldn’t be allowed to implement policy that lets them off the hook for their debts.

Congressman Womack with Nikki McCoy and Miranda Sharpe of BOMA NWA

BOMA Northwest Arkansas: The Third District is rapidly growing—that’s a good thing. It means there is also great opportunity for economic and regional development. Nikki McCoy and Miranda Sharpe traveled from Bella Vista to my D.C. office to talk about their work as members of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Northwest Arkansas. Our conversation focused on economic development, real estate and infrastructure, energy efficiency, the workforce, and more. I really appreciated their time and insight. I hope they had safe travels back to the Natural State!

Demanding Dems Reopen the Capitol: It’s been about 700 days since Congress closed to the American people. Just as institutions across the country are open, so should the U.S. House of Representatives. If places and businesses can host major sporting events and gatherings, welcome customers and employees, and resume operations—so should the U.S. House of Representatives. It's exactly why I—alongside many of my colleagues—are calling on the House Sergeant at Arms to reopen the Capitol to public tours and visitors. This is important to the nation, my office, and every single one of my constituents—many of whom have had to postpone trips and tours because of this misguided House policy.

Congressman Womack with Kim Needy and Larry Whitman

Arkansas Engineering Deans: I met with Dean Kim Needy from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Dean Larry Whitman from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and Vice Chancellor of UALR Joni Lee to discuss STEM education. They gave me a really informative update on current innovative research and engineering projects.

COFA: As you might know, the Compact of Free Association (COFA) between the U.S. and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is up for renegotiation and expires in 2023. Unfortunately, President Biden and his White House are not making compact negotiations a priority. Frankly, it is frustrating, especially from an administration that has touted how it would work with our allies and partners. Furthermore, it was just recently reported again that no progress is being made on this front. The Biden Admin's lack of action regarding COFA renegotiations is a serious lapse in leadership. We have an obligation to the Marshallese, and there are also huge national security implications. China is watching and ready to exert influence in the region. I will continue pressing and calling upon President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to do their jobs.

Congressman Womack with Azarel Ram of RAFAEL Advanced Defense

RAFAEL Advanced Defense: With growing aggression from Iran and turmoil in the Middle East, it's crucial the U.S.-Israel relationship is strong and security-focused. There are specific defense capabilities vital to American troops and the Iron Dome system that are produced in Arkansas. Components supporting our national security efforts are being manufactured in Berryville, Huntsville, and Camden. I appreciated the additional insight into this state work from RAFAEL Advanced Defense leadership, as well as hearing more on ongoing innovation related to Spike NLOS missiles and the Trophy Active Protection System (APS).

Hoping you have a great weekend. Also wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day on Monday! I'm looking forward to celebrating with the grandkids and Terri, my wonderful wife and forever valentine. 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 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.