Washington Update

Recent Notes

While I am in D.C. for legislative business, I have been in touch with local leaders, and my staff has been at the Springdale command center, where local volunteers are organizing to help those impacted

We continue to pray for our residents affected by the tornado and severe storms earlier this week. Our community continues to lend a hand to those in need and help citizens recover. I sent out a list of local resources compiled by the city of Springdale yesterday. Those in need of assistance, interested in volunteering, or want information regarding residential debris pickup can find more information here.

Congressman Womack with Christopher Lambert of Bella Vista and Christopher and Keisha McKinney of Springdale 

In exciting news, we were finally able to welcome Arkansans back for Capitol tours this week. After a 2-year hiatus, it was a privilege to welcome Christopher and Keisha McKinney of Springdale and Christopher Lambert of Bella Vista for the inaugural trip through the halls of the Rotunda.

Congressman Womack with Bradley Ackerlund and Ashley Zenoni of Bentonville—who were joined by family members Tim Ackerlund and Sarah Mattioli of Chicago

We immediately got back into the swing of things also welcoming Bradley Ackerlund and Ashley Zenoni of Bentonville—who were joined by family members Tim Ackerlund and Sarah Mattioli of Chicago—Thomas and Hazel Fullbright of Farmington, and James and Jane Webb of Rogers and their grandson Lincoln Scott.

Congressman Womack gives James and Jane Webb of Rogers and their grandson Lincoln Scott a tour

I also spent time with Whitnee and Mike Bullerwell and their lovely daughter Emilee, as well as Sooji Beck of Springdale.

Congressman Womack with the Bullerwell family of Arkansas 

Safe travels back to the Natural State! It is a highlight to meet constituents when they are in our nation’s capital.

Congressman Womack with the Thomas and Hazel Fullbright of Farmington

If you are planning a trip to D.C. and are interested in a tour, please reach out to my Washington office or fill out a form here.

Congressman Womack accepts the Dick Trammel Good Neighbor Award

I’m humbled to share that I was the recipient of the “Dick Trammel Good Neighbor Award” from the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s the honor of a lifetime to have been a part of the vision that changed the skyline of Rogers and Northwest Arkansas. Before our eyes, the city we love has transformed from a bedroom community to one of destination character. A feat only made possible through the efforts of staff, local leaders, businesses, and stakeholders who knew the opportunity ahead. This award really goes out to them. I know the best is yet to come. Though I was not able to accept the award in person due to legislative business, I shared words of acceptance via video remarks that was played during the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Centennial Celebration in Arkansas. You can watch my remarks above.

Legislation

 The American people deserve real solutions, like the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, which Congressman Womack is a cosponsor of

Healthcare quality and costs are a concern for Arkansans and all Americans. Democrats put the “Affordable Insulin Now Act” (H.R. 6388) on the floor this week. The title would make it sound like must-pass legislation. Unfortunately, the bill is not the solution it purports itself to be. Here is what Speaker Pelosi has conveniently left out of the conversation as they try to use this partisan vote to purposely paint Republicans in a bad light: this bill will lead to fewer life-changing treatments, higher premiums, and will face opposition in the Senate. I met with Arkansans who are part of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to talk about Type 1 Diabetes just this week about this very issue. Insulin affordability, making sure the FDA stays on top of approving cutting-edge devices and treatments for diabetes, and the Special Diabetes Program are priorities we share. But, as I said, reforms must address the root causes of high drug prices through transparency and competition. It’s unfortunate that Democrats in the House would rather attempt to revive their socialist drug pricing scheme than work with Republicans to lower costs for Americans on ALL prescription drugs, including insulin.

The facts about H.R. 6388: 

• It’s the largest expansion of the federal government’s role in private health insurance design since Obamacare. 
• According to CBO, it will cost more than $11 billion over the next 10 years through higher subsidies for higher premiums. 
• It allows for middlemen, like Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), to keep hiding real out-of-pocket savings from patients. 
• It "wouldn't address the core problem of rising prices for insulin. It would instead shift more of the cost onto health insurers and employers and result in higher premiums, according to experts." (Axios)

They wasted an opportunity to help patients across the country. The American people deserve real solutions, like the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, which I am a cosponsor of. This bipartisan bill will lower out-of-pocket costs, protect access to new medicines and cures, strengthen transparency, and support innovation. I wish my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would stop the “gotcha votes,” only purposed in trying to splash bad headlines and misinform Americans, and instead work to craft legislation that will deliver true solutions to the nation. Important to note, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act is a bipartisan solution and is ready to become law as soon as possible. All provisions included in H.R. 19 from the 116th Congress had bipartisan support. 15 provisions have been signed into law. Zero provisions from Speaker Pelosi’s partisan and radical drug pricing scheme have been signed into law.

The misguided policy decisions didn’t end there. The White House announced its FY2023 budget. President Biden’s latest proposal is consigned to join other presidential budget requests in the ash heap of history. It’s a non-starter and directs us towards a continuing resolution at the end of this fiscal year. The White House’s focus on tax-and-spend gimmicks and disregard for our current unsustainable path does nothing to get America’s fiscal house in order.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is supposed to be used for national security emergencies and major natural disasters—not political gain as presidential approval ratings flounder

The administration then declared that they will be ordering the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve for six months in a bid to “control energy prices.” The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is supposed to be used for national security emergencies and major natural disasters—not political gain as presidential approval ratings flounder. Stop tapping the reserve—reverse your failing policies and unleash U.S. energy production. The SPR is also at levels below anything seen during the past 2 decades. REMINDER: When Republicans pushed to replenish the SPR in March 2020 (when oil was at a much lower price), Democrats blocked it.

And I wish I could say this is an April Fools' joke—but the bad decisions keep coming. The Biden Administration has officially revoked Title 42—which authorized the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to turn away anyone entering the country without prior approval. Border patrol agents are warning of the chaos and lawlessness that will follow suit. One border patrol agent bluntly predicted, “We are expecting to get wrecked.”

This is absolutely unconscionable. President Biden has singlehandedly manufactured a border crisis unseen in recent history. He’s lost operational control, instituting failed policies that jeopardize our security, empower drug cartels and human traffickers, and leave communities overrun and trying to manage the fallout. Removing Title 42 will only exacerbate the chaos. We must secure our border.

How to solve the border crisis in 5 steps

Additionally, I voted to pass the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022. The bill includes important provisions from the Womack-cosponsored Ocean Shipping Reform Act and also authorizes enhancements to U.S. Coast Guard operations, modernizes fleets, and improves shoreside and cyber infrastructure. I also raised concerns about the White House directing federal agencies to go beyond their missions and engage in political activities. I joined my fellow committee leaders in calling out the improper scope being pushed. We'll continue executing strong oversight and accountability.

Meetings

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: I met with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and recognized the core connections between the Natural State and Singapore and discussed the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mission that Fort Smith has been chosen to support. The people of Singapore and Arkansas are both rooted in the love of our countries. We are tireless workers. We invest in what is important, including defense. And we are steadfast in fostering a strong global community. I appreciated sharing in conversation regarding Ebbing Air National Guard Base being selected as the home of future F-35 fighter planes and a Republic of Singapore F-16 squadron. The pilot training center is where military personnel from allied nations will learn and train on F-35s—the next generation of aircraft equipment. It’s an important mission that will enhance our security efforts and diplomatic ties.

Congressman Womack with the Prime Minister of Singapore

Arkansas PBS: The dedicated staff of Arkansas PBS produces great content and news viewed by residents across the Natural State and Third District. I valued hearing from Arkansas PBS Commission Chairman John Brown (Siloam Springs), West Doss (Fayetteville), CEO Courtney Pledger (Little Rock), COO Ed Leon (Faulkner County), and Marty Ryall (Little Rock) on broadcasting issues and learning more about programming.

Congressman Womack speaks to Arkansas PBS

Federal Trade Commission: As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), I have a firsthand role in the budget and appropriations decisions of the nation. This means dealing with the funding of many agencies. The Federal Trade Commission falls under the FSGG purview, and I welcomed hearing Chairwoman Lina Khan share her perspective and budgetary priorities.   

Congressman Womack takes a virtual meeting with FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan

American Health Information Management Association: Thanks to Tina Cikanek of Rogers, who is the program director of the Health Information Management at Northwest Arkansas Community College, for sharing updates on healthcare infrastructure, health data and information, and network security. We want to ensure our systems are strong and focused on a patient’s well-being.

Congressman Womack speaks to Tina Cikanek of Rogers

Sooji Beck: I’m always inspired by the stories of constituents. I had the opportunity to visit with Sooji Beck of Springdale. She is currently a medical student and recently spent time in Rep. Rick Crawford’s office as a healthcare fellow. She said the experience has given her great insight into how policy in D.C. affects medical practices and our healthcare systems. After graduating from Arkansas State, Sooji will be in Tulsa, OK for the next four years for her OBGYN residency and hopes to return to Northwest Arkansas to practice. Wishing her the best of luck in this journey. Very proud of her hard work and commitment.

Congressman Womack with Sooji Beck

Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities: I spoke with members of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities about supporting people with disabilities by facilitating personal growth, vocational goals, and employment support. I commend their work, which is making a difference in the lives of Arkansans. They are successfully helping each person who walks through their doors reach their full potential and strengthening our workforce at the same time.

Congressman Womack with Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

Chief of Army Reserve Lt. Gen Jody Daniel: When Chief of Army Reserve Lt. Gen Jody Daniel assumed this position, she became the first woman to serve as Chief of the Army Reserve and lead an Army component. With nearly 200,000 soldiers, the Army Reserve makes up roughly 20 percent of the service’s total force. Her priorities include restarting collective training, modernizing the reserve as the Army crafts its new multidomain operations doctrine, and retaining talent. I salute her steadfast service and commitment to our defenders.

Congressman Womack with Chief of Army Reserve Lt. Gen Jody Daniel

John Bratcher: John Bratcher of the Third District is an air traffic controller and is a member of the National Air Traffic Controller Association, which is focused on aviation safety and ensuring the National Airspace System is the world's safest and most efficient. We had in-depth discussions on Air Traffic Control infrastructure and the Contract Tower program. 

Congressman Womack with John Bratcher

Arkansas Rural Water: Great to have Arkansas Rural Water Association members stop by to talk about the importance of a strong water workforce and how training the next generation of water and wastewater utility workforce helps ensure that clean water is available and affordable for rural communities.

Congressman Womack with Arkansas Rural Water

Salvation Army: Thank you to Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, Commissioner Jolene K. Hodder, and Major David B. Davis of the Salvation Army, who stopped by to express their willingness and readiness to support those in need in Arkansas following the recent tornado in Springdale. We talked at length about faith and the spirit of charity and giving that is a cornerstone of our community. I also shared a few stories about being a bell ringer in the past. Today, The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world and serves in 131 countries, offering the message of God’s healing and hope. Very thankful for their work.

Congressman Womack with Salvation Army

West Point: As Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, it was my honor to welcome several USMA cadets to D.C. West Point prepares cadets who've chosen a path of service. From the classroom to tactical training, they're learning to defend, fight, and win as the next generation of the Army. Each time I meet some of these young leaders, I'm reminded that the future of our nation is bright! I was also privileged to introduce these future Army officers to several congressional members, including Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana who nominated one of the cadets in the group. An amazing full-circle moment!

Congressman Womack with USMA cadets

FitOps: The mission of the FitOps Foundation is to empower veterans and transition service members to live a life of purpose through fitness and community. Their facility in Arkansas contributes greatly to our community and serves our heroes as they train and discover the next step in their career journey. It was great to have Matt Hesse—who founded FitOps—in town to discuss the organization and future goals of this purpose-driven institution.

I will be back in Washington for legislative business next week. 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.