Washington Update

SOTU

President Biden's State of the Union address was disconnected from the realities and challenges Americans are facing because of his policies and actions

Right now, we are living in what feels like a world of the past. The path of strength and opportunity forged by pro-growth policies has been replaced by a descent into crisis under one-party rule. Our nation is leading on things like inflation, illegal border crossings, gas prices, weakness on the world stage, fentanyl deaths, COVID flip flops, crime rates, ideological division, and foreign policy failures. This is not hyperbole; it’s the consequences of President Biden’s far-left agenda.

These challenging realities were papered over in President Biden’s State of the Union address earlier this week. His speech was full of promises and short on solutions. It was also deeply separated from the realities everyday people are facing with the rising costs of gas, groceries, and basic necessities. The disconnect between the projection of this White House’s self-proclaimed accomplishments and strengths and the actual record of this presidency was quite apparent. I, of course, agreed with his rhetoric on securing the border, supporting our law enforcement, lowering drug prices, and standing with the people of Ukraine. But his words are just that—words. They stand in stark contrast with his policies—which aren’t changing.

A timely example of this: our response to Ukraine. Right now, as Ukrainians fight for their lives and freedom, the White House is working with Russia on a nuclear agreement for Iran. Putin is threatening nuclear war... so the U.S. thinks Moscow is who should be helping us broker a deal with the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism? Furthermore, the White House is still buying Russian oil. This hurts our partner, but it also stands against his call to buy and produce American.

President Biden could end our funding of Moscow’s war machine, create jobs, lower the cost of gas, and support America’s energy independence today. All he would have to do is reverse his own actions. I have called on him to do just that.

The U.S. has enough energy resources to meet demand at home and support allies abroad. We became a net energy exporter during the Trump Administration, giving America economic strength and geopolitical leverage over Russia, China, Iran, and other dictatorships around the world. We have the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, we can produce these energy resources more cleanly and efficiently than anywhere else in the world, and we should produce them.

I have demanded the White House:

• Implement meaningful permitting reform that removes unnecessary delays and bureaucratic obstacles to constructing new, modern energy infrastructure;
• Increase energy resource production on federal lands;
• Reduce the regulatory uncertainty that prevents construction of new oil and natural gas infrastructure, including pipelines and LNG export terminals;
• Develop a new, robust national rare earth and critical mineral policy that ends our reliance on China and Russia;
• Pause all new discretionary regulatory policy activity and actions that would negatively impact the oil and gas sector until the Russian invasion of Ukraine is over and global oil and natural gas markets have stabilized; and
• End climate activism by federal agencies and order financial regulators to keep to their statutory mission.

Read more on this here.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the only instance where what he said in the SOTU diverged from real life. I also feel the speech glossed over the hyper-partisanship plaguing this administration, Congress, and our nation. The stalwart focus on a far-left agenda has stricken even the most typically bipartisan committees and work on the Hill. We saw that play out this week during legislative business. Supporting our heroes should never be a partisan issue. Yet, this week, instead of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs—usually a body that works to find consensus across party lines for good reason—putting a bipartisan bill to help our veterans exposed to toxic exposure on the floor, they put a poorly-written package on the floor that will not be signed into law. They are using this vote to say Republicans don’t care about veterans. This is completely false and also leaves out a big part of the story. I’m a cosponsor of H.R. 6659, the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act. This bipartisan, Senate-passed legislation to provide burn pit veterans with the benefits and healthcare they’ve earned could have been signed into law today. Instead, Democrats put forth a bill they know will go nowhere in the Senate. Congress must get H.R. 6659 across the finish line and deliver lifesaving help to the men and women who defended our nation and now face illnesses and hardships of their service.

More of the same is the last thing we need. This means Washington must change direction and work together. We can do that with fiscal responsibility, smaller government, a strong national defense, energy independence, unleashing the potential of our economy, and upholding liberty. Movement on these fronts will herald us into a new morning in America. I urge President Biden and my Democrat colleagues to work across the aisle and put the nation first.

West Point

Congressman Steve Womack stands with West Point cadets, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Yvette Bourcicot, and USMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams before today’s BOV meeting

This week, on the Capitol grounds, I was unanimously re-elected to serve a fifth term as Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors (BOV). Following my swearing-in, I led the Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) Lieutenant General Darryl Williams, Army leadership, cadets, and other members of the BOV in its quarterly meeting.                                                                 

Our mission is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so each graduate is a commissioned leader of character—committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country. We are preparing each young man and woman for a career of professional excellence and service to our nation as an officer in the United States Army. West Point takes the brightest minds from Arkansas and across the country to build the Long Gray Line of defenders. It’s a privilege to be entrusted again with the duty of Chairman, especially with a changing board. The standard of excellence of all those driven by a call to serve remains our highest priority.

Congressman Womack with USMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams during BOV meeting

Current and future cadets from the Third District of Arkansas:

Class of 2022

• Isaac Antony of Fayetteville
• Rebecca Boushelle of Fayetteville
• Dominik Garretson of Fort Smith
• Samuel Shaw of Fayetteville

Class of 2023

• Tyler Moran of Fort Smith

Class of 2024

• Ashton Bailey of Fort Smith
• Garrett Chrisman of Cave Springs
• Isaac Drewry of Harrison
• Kayden Eckman of Eureka Springs
• Pierce Guthrie of Bentonville

Class of 2025

• Tysen Barbour Fayetteville
• Leyton Elmore of Fort Smith
• Aidan Looney of Bentonville
• Gary Phillips of Van Buren
• Luke Rucker of Rogers
• Kale Sheets of Fort Smith

Class of 2026

• Aubrey Bailey of Fort Smith
• Ellery Doyna of Fayetteville
• Madison Phillips of Bentonville
• Sydney Rhuda of Bentonville
• Luke Welcher of Fayetteville

Arkansas in D.C.

Congressman Womack with Arkansas Broadcasters Association members

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB): Broadcasters are integral parts of our communities and economy. Arkansans and Americans across the nation tune into local radio for around-the-clock news, emergency alerts, and entertainment. When we have stories to tell, Arkansas broadcasters are sharing them. As I said during the NAB State Leadership Conference, upholding First Amendment rights and supporting local radio is not something I just understand, it also runs in my roots. It's why I'm leading the bipartisan Local Radio Freedom Act, which supports listeners and the viability of radio resources in the Third District and across the U.S. I also talked about budget and appropriations, partisanship in Congress, big tech, regulations, the latest from Ukraine, and my work as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG). I appreciated all the Arkansans who were in town to support access to strong over-the-air-broadcasting services, including Kyle King, Ali Sugg, Luke Story, Lesli Griffin, and Greg Horne. We'll continue advocating for the LRF Act and to stop taxes and fees that will cripple local radio.

Congressman Womack with credit union employees from across Arkansas

Arkansas Credit Unions: Thanks to Arkansas credit union employees from across the state for stopping into my office to talk about financial regulations, the importance of data security, and the role credit unions played in supporting our local communities throughout the pandemic. I especially appreciated hearing from Francisco Lopez of Springdale, who gave an update on all the great work his branch is doing with our Marshallese residents.

Congressman Womack with Third District and Natural State principals

Natural State Principals: I sat down with Principals Brian Kirkendoll (Alma High School), Justin Swope (Gene George Elementary), Stacy DeFoor (Conway Lewis Elementary School), Mark Lewis (Jim Stone Elementary), Matt Ziegler (Lakeview High School), and Scott Smith (Western Yell County High School) to discuss education issues and the importance of strong schools. We talked in-depth about learning, recovery from COVID, labor shortages, curriculum, and the impact of learning loss during the pandemic. Our kids are our future, and I am proud to say that Arkansas administrators, teachers, and educators have done a great job in preparing the next generation and ensuring our classrooms are filled with vibrant learning.

Congressman Womack with ARDOT

Arkansas Department of Transportation: I appreciated a quick drop-in with the Arkansas Department of Transportation to talk about infrastructure, transportation, and the latest happenings from Congress!

Congressman Womack with DAV members

Disabled American Veterans: I had the privilege of welcoming veterans from Arkansas. Members of the Disabled American Veterans organization stopped by to talk about veteran healthcare, education, and resources. I salute their service to our great nation and state.

Congressman Womack with Kelly Johnson 

XNA: The Northwest Arkansas National Airport is a vital connecter and economic engine in our community. The breadth of its impact is easily seen through the Arkansans, travelers, and businesses it serves. XNA is an integral part of our region’s infrastructure, and it was great to have Airport Director Kelly Johnson in D.C. After our meeting, I headed back home and through the very airport I discussed earlier.

Congressman Womack with rice farmers

Rice Farmers: Arkansas agriculture supports families and our economy. The Natural state is one of the top U.S. rice producers - boasting millions of acres of the crop. Thank you to all the hardworking farmers who stopped by my office this week. Your grains go from the field to our tables and shelves across the world!

Congressman Womack on virtual meeting with Boys and Girls Club

Other Meetings: It was a busy week, and we also connected with a lot of folks both in my office and via virtual meetings. Thanks to Crystal Bridges, the American Alliance of Museums, National Kidney Foundation, National Association of Health Underwriters, National Fragile X Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Communities Unlimited, Carole Baskin, USARPAC CDR General Charles Flynn, and more for talking about a range of policies and issues. I appreciate your time and insights!

Fort Smith National Cemetery

Arkansans came together in Fort Smith today to properly lay our heroes to rest

Brothers and sisters in arms finally laid to rest on hallowed ground and with the full military honors they deserve in Fort Smith today. We honor them; we salute them:

• SGT Donald Ralph Kennedy - Korea
• TSGT Elba Woodrow Snider - WWII
• AA Jimmy Joe Conner - Vietnam
• Y2C Patricia Sisson Nichols Mikesell - WWII
• TSGT William R. Morrison, Jr. - WWII
• Joyce Antoinette Dysart (Spouse of Navy S1C Richard Eugene Dysart) – WWII

Their steadfast service will never be forgotten. Today’s proper burials are thanks to Gina and Gus Gustafson, SADA Arkansas, Missing in America Project, Northside JROTC, and many Fort Smith vets and community members who came together to pay tribute and give these patriots full military honors. Arkansans will always remember the men and women who defended and swore an oath to our great nation. We pray for them and everyone buried at Fort Smith National Cemetery. Learn more here.

Wishing you a great weekend, and I hope to see you around Arkansas in the coming days. 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.

P.S. Every American should take a moment to listen to the speech my colleague Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) gave this week about what is happening in her birth country of Ukraine after the Russian invasion. She is sharing her story, speaking up for freedom, and demanding President Biden do more. Speech here.