Washington Update

Legislative Impacts

Congressman Womack discusses impact of community projects on the radio

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), I was proud to author, secure, and vote to pass funding for Third District of Arkansas priorities. This package is now law! I wanted to share the good news and also what local stakeholders are saying about these efforts and the impact they will have on our community:

The Arkansas Department of Transportation received $18 million to upgrade and expand I-49:

Arkansas State Highway Commissioner Keith Gibson said, “The Arkansas Department of Transportation is extremely grateful to Congressman Womack for his efforts in securing funding for the construction of Interstate 49 from Alma to Barling. The positive impacts that I-49 will bring to Western Arkansas in terms of economic growth and development, quality of life, and transportation safety are immeasurable. Thanks to the steadfast advocacy and hard work of Congressman Womack, much needed federal funds are helping build a bright future for our community and our region.”

Arkansas Tech University received $675,000 to enhance its nursing program:

Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Robin E. Bowen said, “Arkansas Tech University is grateful to Congressman Womack for his leadership in securing these funds in support of Arkansas Tech University nursing students. As a comprehensive regional university, we prepare highly-skilled nurses on our Russellville and Ozark campuses who move forward into a wide variety of careers within our health care system. These resources and the equipment they will provide will enhance the career readiness of our graduates and the outcomes for the patients they will serve." 

The Jack Williams Veterans Resource Center — “Camp Jack” — of Harrison received $2.28 million to rehabilitate and expand its facilities, which support local veterans:

Jack Williams Veterans Resource Center President Matt Russell said, “Arkansas veterans and our community received a very special investment due to the vision and hard work of Congressman Steve Womack. This funding for Camp Jack will improve the quality of countless lives, create opportunity, and help those who’ve worn the uniform heal old wounds. It lets our veterans know they are not forgotten while fostering renewed pride and purpose. For so many, this brings a precious gift of hope for a better tomorrow.”

The Northwest Arkansas National Airport received $4 million to upgrade transportation infrastructure:

XNA CEO Aaron Burkes said, “I would like to thank Congressman Womack and his team for their diligence in securing the Community Project Funding grant for XNA. This project will improve ADA access and make passenger traffic in the terminal more efficient, both crucial components for XNA as we strive to expand alongside of our burgeoning region.”

The Fort Smith Peak Innovation Center received $400,000 to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) for middle school students:

Fort Smith Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Morawski said, "In addition to providing high quality career and technology instruction for high school juniors and seniors, Peak Innovation Center is facilitating new learning experiences for middle level students. 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders have the opportunity to explore and experience high-interest, high-demand, and high-wage career pathways as they learn to identify natural aptitudes and interests in a chosen career path. We are very grateful to Congressman Womack for his assistance with this important component, as well as his support in developing the comprehensive approach that Peak Innovation Center now offers."

SLS Community in Fayetteville received $3 million to improve resources dedicated to supporting and educating neurodiverse and developmentally disabled adults:

Mayor of the City of Fayetteville Lioneld Jordan said, “The SLS Community is a transformative non-profit creating a community of vocational, residential, and clinical resources that will help improve the lives of neurodiverse residents and their families. I want to thank Congressman Womack and his staff for their leadership, advocacy, and support through the federal appropriations process. A project of this size and scale requires significant infrastructure investments. I’m so grateful to the Congressman for recognizing the value of this project and working to help us secure the infrastructure funding needed to help make this vision a reality. The SLS Community will have a significant economic and social impact for the City of Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas region, and State.” 

Zelenskyy Address

Congressman Womack watches as the President of Ukraine addresses Congress

President Zelenskyy’s address to Congress this week powerfully outlined what is at stake. The Ukrainian people are fighting—not only for their lives and sovereignty—but for the shared order of the free world. His words—which are resoundingly being heard by people and international governments—cannot only be answered with standing ovations. America, NATO, and the entire global community must stand together with Ukraine. This moment has to be met with collective leadership to provide Ukraine with what is needed to defend freedom and their nation. Vladimir Putin is a murderous tyrant and war criminal who wants everything but peace. It’s time for the world to show him the unified consequences of his evil actions.

Following the speech, I also voted to pass the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act, which expands America’s ability to stop Russia’s unacceptable and unjust war on Ukraine and to hold Belarus accountable for its involvement by:

• Providing the President with time-limited authority to increase tariffs on products of Russia and Belarus until January 1, 2024;
• Requiring the U.S. Trade Representative to use the voice and influence of the United States to seek suspension of Russia’s participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to halt Belarus’ WTO accession and accession-related work; and
• Providing the President with the authority to restore normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus if these countries have ceased their acts of aggression against Ukraine and other certain conditions are met. Congress has the authority to overrule such a decision through a congressional disapproval process.

Meetings and Hearings

Congressman Womack with SOUTHCOM Commander General Laura Richardson

SOUTHCOM Hearing: Defender of freedom! I was privileged to spend some time with United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Commander General Laura Richardson before our classified hearing. I attended her Change of Command ceremony last year, where she became the first woman to command SOUTHCOM. SOUTHCOM is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation for Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. With transnational criminal organizations trafficking drugs, guns, and people in South and Central America—and China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba attempting to meddle and exert influence throughout the region—SOUTHCOM has a large mission. Their work to stop the flow of many of these illicit and illegal substances—including the explosion of fentanyl—organizations, and activities has a direct impact on Arkansas and Americans. We also spoke about the effectiveness of State Partnership Programs (SPP), such as the long-standing partnership of the Arkansas National Guard with Guatemala. She also openly shared how beneficial offering Professional Military Education to our partners in Central and South America has been, particularly in countering Chinese influence in the region. I salute General Richardson for her dedicated service to the U.S. Her work is ensuring the defense and security of our great nation.

Congressman Womack outside of his office before his hearing

CENTCOM Hearing: As a member of the Defense Subcommittee, I welcomed General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr.—who is Commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)—to the Hill this week for a classified briefing. CENTCOM’s mission includes deterring Iran, maintaining the Defeat-ISIS Campaign in Syria and Iraq, countering drone threats, and stopping the radicalization of populations abroad. I can’t discuss many aspects of the briefing, but I can share threats related to Iran are growing. They tried to strike our troops with a barrage of missiles just last week. General McKenzie has also publicly reported that Iran continues to be the biggest threat to the American interests and the security of the Middle East, saying "Iranian ballistic missiles are an existential threat to the security of every country in the region, including our closest partners." These realities reiterate why President Biden’s new Iran deal, which was negotiated by America’s adversaries in Moscow at a time when the world is witnessing Putin's unprovoked and gruesome invasion of Ukraine in real time, must be stopped. China and Russia are using Biden’s new Iran deal to strengthen their nuclear and military trade ties with Iran. The White House should not be negotiating, implementing sanctions relief, or even considering buying oil from this known state sponsor of terrorism. 

Congressman Womack speaks during Judicial Conference

Judicial Conference: An independent judiciary that upholds the Constitution and rule of law is fundamental to our nation. It was my honor to be introduced by Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts as I took part in this week’s Judicial Conference. During the event, I spoke with judges and other Congress members about appropriations funding, cyber and physical security needs, and other policy issues. As the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, it’s part of my duties to direct oversight and funding jurisdiction over the Judiciary branch. During my remarks, I reiterated my commitment to providing the necessary resources for the critical operations of our courts. This funding must of course be allocated in a way that prioritizes fiscal responsibility. Congress must focus on “needs” and not “wants.” We need to address our nation’s unsustainable debt and stabilize the federal government’s finances. This means ending the constant cycles of continuing resolutions, late starts to the appropriations season, and missed deadlines that have become a common occurrence. I will continue calling for reforms and work to get the appropriations process back on track.

Congressman Womack with World Trade Center Arkansas CEO Denise Thomas

World Trade Center: World Trade Center Arkansas (WTCA) CEO Denise Thomas and I both agree that trade is vitally important to Arkansas. We discussed upcoming trade missions, business, and new WTCA veteran and student programs. I appreciate her expertise and focus on building opportunity and economic development in the Third District.

Congressman Womack with Dr. Earthea Nance

EPA Region 6 Administrator: I had the pleasure of virtually meeting the somewhat newly appointed EPA Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. We discussed the importance of openly having cities and counties communicating on environmental and energy issues, as well as the unique combination of natural beauty and strong entrepreneurship that has contributed to our flourishing region. Arkansans are proud to be good stewards of our land. As our region continues to grow, we prioritize both environmental progress and economic growth at the same time. I thank Administrator Nance for her time and look forward to welcoming her to Arkansas at some point in the future.

Congressman Womack with Susan Norton

Fayetteville Leadership: Susan Norton, Chief of Staff for the City of Fayetteville, was in D.C. for the National League of Cities Conference. I appreciated her making time to stop by my office as this was our first time meeting. We had great news to discuss! As you previously heard, I helped secure $3 million to support infrastructure investment into SLS Community, a non-profit in Fayetteville dedicated to providing neurodiverse and developmentally disabled adults with vocational, residential, and clinical resources. We also discussed other projects and city priorities. Proud of the many great things and growth happening in Fayetteville.

Congressman Womack talks with Dr. Jeff Rhodes

Dr. Jeff Rhodes: Dr. Jeff Rhodes of Rogers stopped in to talk about pediatric dentistry, medical training and school, and surgery center services. Oral health is a vital component of overall wellness that is too often overlooked, and Dr. Rhodes spoke about the importance of a strong local workforce of well-trained health professionals. We want to continue to grow our region's sector of dentists and medical personnel dedicated to personalized care with a focus on overall health and well-being. I thank him for his work in the Third District and for his insights.

Congressman Womack with Mark Hayes

Arkansas Municipal League: Great seeing my friend and Arkansas Municipal League Executive Director Mark Hayes! As a former mayor, I know our cities are core pieces of our economy, communities, and state. We talked about the impact of recent investments, projects, and regulatory compliance in the Third District. The Municipal League helps our state and municipalities navigate many issues and supports our local governments. As they say: “Great cities make a great state!” We know that’s true!

Congressman Womack speaks to local AR-3 railroad leaders

Arkansas Railroads: We have come a long way since the Transcontinental Railroad connected our nation from sea to shining sea and transformed U.S. transportation, but our railroads continue to be an important part of moving residents and freight. Short lines connect rural parts of Arkansas to the rest of the state, nation, and world, and I thank Caren Kraska of the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad in Springdale and Jamie Caton of Fort Smith Railroad Company for talking about the industry, moving goods, and ongoing regulatory issues. From supporting our supply chain to our transportation systems, we want our railroads to continue connecting communities, generating opportunities, and supporting growth and success across the country. 

Congressman Womack speaks to University of Arkansas educators and stakeholders

University of Arkansas: Thanks to University of Arkansas Professor Tricia Starks and Rebecca Clendenen of Siloam Springs for the conversations on humanities, cultural exchange programs, museums, and the appropriations process. We are proud of the excellence and leading role U of A has in our community!

Congressman Womack with Vice Admiral John Mustin

Chief of Navy Reserve: Vice Admiral John Mustin—Chief of the Navy Reserve—visited this morning. As Commander, Navy Reserve Force, he leads approximately 59,000 Reserve Component personnel who support the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint forces. Our conversation focused on Naval Reserve priorities, including Naval Reserve aviation recapitalization and modernization priorities. Vice Admiral Mustin is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy—and the rivalry between West Point. As I said to him: Go Army, Beat Navy!

As I head back to Arkansas, I am wishing you a great weekend. I also want to say WOO PIG SOOIE! What a game last night! Proud of the men’s basketball team – and tonight we will all be cheering on the women’s team! Let’s go Hogs! 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.