September 23, 2022

Washington Update

Commitment to America

Congressman Womack discusses his policy priorities on the radio.

Every aspect of the Democrat agenda stands in stark contrast with reality.

Vice President Harris said the border is "secure."

Right now, millions in recorded illegal apprehensions continue to set records, fentanyl—the #1 killer of Americans 18-45—is pouring in through Mexico, people on the FBI terror watch list have been found, and we’ve witnessed unprecedented migrant deaths as cartels and traffickers thrive.

President Biden downplayed inflation acting as if statistics over 8.0% is really 0.2%, describing it as "up just an inch, hardly at all."

Inflation is at a forty-year high of 8.3%. Families are being crushed as costs for everyday goods and services rise. Real wages have fallen every single month since President Biden’s $1.9 trillion "stimulus" passed last year. The inflation that has already occurred will cost the average American household thousands of dollars extra.

President Biden recently stated the “pandemic is over.”

Yet, his White House and Democrat caucuses are still trying to work on more COVID emergency spending, a.k.a. spending your taxpayer dollars with no regard for the cost or impact.

The White House blamed high gas prices on everyone from Putin—even though spikes preceded his illegal invasion—to oil companies and refineries.

They have singlehandedly limited the supply by shutting down oil production, canceling projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, not allowing any new leases, imposing moratoriums on fossil energy development on federal lands, doubling down on financial regulators to halt fossil fuel investment, and draining the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. This administration even tried to beg Saudi Arabia for more oil. It’s telling that they prioritized tax rebates for luxury electric vehicles instead of flipping the switch on domestic production. The detrimental impact does not end at the gas pump – electricity and natural gas bills are expected to drastically rise.

These points just scratch the surface. From the White House saying there would be no federal vaccine mandate and Americans weren’t left behind in Afghanistan to their so-called “Build Back Better” bill costs zero, every notion has disregarded the truth.  

Democrat policies have created crisis after crisis – impacting all Americans. Our nation needs a new direction. This week, House Republicans announced our bold approach to get us back on track. We laid out a bold conservative vision to show the country that there is more than a far-left direction fueled by big government socialism.

I wanted to share the policy pillars of “Our Commitment to America:”

The House GOP’s Commitment to America will deliver on getting our nation back on track.

AN ECONOMY THAT IS STRONG

• Fight inflation and lower the cost of living
• Reduce gas prices and make America energy independent
• Strengthen our supply chain and end our dependence on China

A NATION THAT IS SAFE

• Secure the southern border
• Reduce crime and stop fentanyl
• Defend our national security

A FUTURE THAT IS BUILT ON FREEDOM

• Make sure every child in every neighborhood can succeed
• Better care and improved health outcomes for Americans
• Confront big tech and advance free speech

A GOVERNMENT THAT IS ACCOUNTABLE

• Reclaim congressional oversight and hold the Biden Administration accountable
• Preserve our freedoms under the Constitution
• Ensure faith in our free and fair elections and restore the people’s voice

I’m committed to the above principles and restoring American strength. Learn more about the plan here.

Legislative Note: The deadly consequences of the defund the police agenda pushed by far-left governance have been seen across America. Well-trained and resourced law enforcement officers are vital to the safety of our communities. I back the blue, which is why I voted to pass the Invest to Protect Act to support local and small law enforcement departments in Arkansas and across the country. I’m proud to support public safety by ensuring smaller forces in our local and rural departments have the resources needed to recruit, train, and retain police. I will always be grateful to the brave men and women who wear and uphold the badge. Read more here.

Some other meetings and news:

Springdale was in the House! The Third District spirit was radiating strongly in the Capitol. It was great to be with the Springdale Chamber of Commerce to talk about policy priorities, appropriations, upcoming legislative votes, and local development. Empowering businesses and creating economic opportunity are our shared goals.

My meeting with the Springdale Chamber of Commerce also hit on community funding projects, my role as Ranking Member of the FSGG Subcommittee, IRS expansion, the Marshallese community and COFA renegotiations, and national security issues. I always appreciate seeing so many friends and Springdale leaders in D.C.!

It was an honor to wear the Arkansas National Guard uniform for decades, and the protection of America remains at the forefront of my priorities. With the FMS mission advancing in Fort Smith—and public meetings that were held in the Third District this week—I appreciated receiving an update from Arkansas National Guard Adjutant General Major General Kendall Penn, Arkansas Air National Guard Air Component Commander Brigadier General Leon Dodroe, 188th Wing Commander Colonel Jeremiah Gentry, 189th Airlift Wing Commander Colonel Dean Martin, and Command Sergeant Major Steven Veazey on this initiative and other ongoing state military operations.

I salute the service of our Arkansas National Guard leaders to the Natural State and U.S.!

I ran into Herschel Walker and got to reminisce on when we saw each other in Rogers many years ago. We talked about football, and he brought up that he loves the movie “Greater.” The movie tells the story of the late Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. Brandon was born in Harrison. He graduated from Harrison High School and was a recruited walk-on football player at the University of Arkansas. I had to get my good friend and coaching legend Tommy Tice on the phone since he coached Brandon in High School. Serendipitously, he was headed to an event to tell the story of Brandon. Brandon was tragically taken in an accident days after he was drafted to the NFL, but he left a legacy and examples as a positive role model that continues to be remembered.  

It was wonderful meeting Keith McDaniel, the President and Superintendent of Shiloh Christian School. His dedication to education and being a facilitator of learning was clear from our conversation. An Arkansas Tech graduate, Keith’s service to Arkansas doesn’t end in the education arena. He also wears our nation’s uniform and is a dedicated member of the Arkansas Air Guard. I salute his work supporting our students and defending the Natural State and America!

Stryten Energy delivers premium energy storage solutions that power everything from warehouses and distribution centers to cars, trains, and trucks that keep people on the move and essential supply chains running. I sat down with their team to learn more about the manufacturing they do in Fort Smith. Their work in the Third District focuses on producing energy storage batteries for U.S. submarines and other battery assemblies. They are supporting jobs and national defense efforts, and it’s my hope that they will further expand their local footprint!

I welcomed Petland owners and employees from Rogers to my office. We discussed the Healthy Dog Importation Act, which would require all dogs entering the U.S. from another country to have valid certification of vaccinations and good health. This would safeguard the health of animals and people. We also talked about other animal welfare issues before I headed to the floor for votes.

Israel is America’s steadfast and true friend in the Middle East. It's vitally important to the security and strength of both our nations that our relationship remains strong and grows, especially as Iran continues to pursue its nuclear ambitions. Two years after the Trump Administration’s historic breakthrough with the Abraham Accords, the Biden Administration has failed to build on that foundation. They have also signaled pursuing a disastrous Iran Nuclear Deal, which would basically help fund Iran’s terrorism and attacks against Israel. I spoke with AIPAC members from Arkansas about these issues and my commitment to supporting our great ally. Thanks to Doug Matayo (Springdale), Julie Harris (Springdale), Michael Lamorouex (Russellville), and Melanie Gullick (Conway) for their work on this front.

I received an update from Hungarian Parliament members on domestic and international affairs. I was able to share my personal connection to their country. When I deployed to Sinai in Egypt, the Military Police Company supporting my Gunslingers were the Hungarian Military Police Company. Building diplomatic and defense ties with allies and stakeholders in the international community will always be vital to our security and prosperity. I appreciated learning more about their government and explaining our work in Congress.

Wishing you a great weekend ahead! 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.

From the front...

Congressman Steve Womack
Arkansas Third District