DC Update
It’s Groundhog Day in Washington
Remember how last week we failed to pass the Defense Appropriations bill? And didn’t make progress on a stopgap funding agreement either? Well, we’re back in the very same boat a week later.
Listen to the latest edition of Comment from the Capitol here to hear my take on the ongoing spending battle, what to expect next week, and the frustrating inaction in the House of Representatives – which is plummeting us toward a government shutdown.
Breaking down a Shutdown
Arkansans know that at the end of September, we end the fiscal year. We are now only 8 days away from this deadline, like I said, without any progress made in the House due to the fringe of my caucus holding the chamber hostage.
What will it mean if we don’t get our work done and we have a lapse in appropriations?
A whole host of important functions within the U.S. government will shutting down their services. It will impact people across the country, even those who think it’s only an issue within the DC beltway.
A government shutdown means:
- Cutting off needed capital for small businesses.
- Even more delays getting your passport.
- Curtailed military training and operations.
- No new NIH clinical trial patients to help develop lifesaving drugs and treatments.
- Closed national parks.
Furthermore, a government shutdown is expensive. According to a Senate report, the last 3 shutdowns cost taxpayers nearly $4 billion. It will also send the wrong message to the markets and sorely impact our economy. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the most recent shutdown reduced real GDP by $3 billion!
From a national security perspective, consider what our adversaries overseas are doing. They’re watching this dysfunction. They’re keeping a close eye on what the greatest country on the planet is doing as far as its basic, fundamental duty, which is to get our act together and at least pass a budget.
Frankly, I am deeply concerned. Americans deserve better. Eventually, Congress will have to come together and pull the rope in the same direction for the American people – hopefully sooner rather than later. I stayed in Washington over the weekend to continue our important work.
|
Today, some of my Republican colleagues and I met with Speaker McCarthy to work on reasonable solutions for the American people.
Portrait Unveiling Ceremony
|
.jpg "SAW__Terri_Womack_(3).jpg")
It was one of my greatest privileges in Congress to serve as Chairman of the House Budget Committee – a committee important to promoting the fiscal responsibility of our nation. In honor of my tenure, we unveiled my portrait that will hang in the hallowed committee hearing room. Celebrating amongst my closest colleagues, family, friends, and staff, I’m honored beyond words that it will be next to portraits of other former Chairs whom I deeply admire and respect.
|
Some familiar faces from the Arkansas delegation attended -- my friends Senator Boozman and Senator Cotton!
To be clear, having a big painting of me on display really isn’t my cup of tea, but the meaning behind these member portraits is not lost on me. They symbolize our commitment to doing the work of the American people, reminding us that we owe much of our successes to those who came before us. I trust that other members are inspired by our former and current leaders like I am.
|
I’m thankful for the kind words shared by my friends on that day, for those who have significantly impacted my life and time in Congress, and for my team, both past and present. I’m eternally grateful for their steadfast support for me.
|
Click here to read more about this special day and the artist who painted the portrait from Alex Thomas with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Military Confirmations
Good news for our nation’s military: The Senate finally moved forward with confirmations this week. Since February, Senator Tommy Tuberville and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have been at a stalemate, which has blocked all personnel moves in our military that require confirmation, leaving high-ranking positions without permanent replacements. Obviously, this has been a major concern for military readiness.
I’m glad to see the following confirmations from the week:
General Eric Smith was confirmed as the 39th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. He has decades of command experience and most recently served as the Assistant Commandant. Our Marines are in excellent hands under his leadership.
|
_(002).jpg "General_C.Q._Brown_(3)_(002).jpg")
General CQ Brown (pictured above) was confirmed as the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His subject matter expertise and long and distinguished career in our Air Force, including the last three years as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, will serve him well as the nation's chief military officer.
|
The Senate also confirmed my friend General Randy George (pictured with me above!) as the 41st Chief of Staff of the United States Army. He has steadfastly served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army for more than a year and I am confident he will continue to lead our Army through our increasingly complex world.
Our nation is stronger under the leadership of these distinguished men, and I look forward to the Senate continuing to address the backlog of these confirmations important to our nation’s military preparedness.
Picture highlights from the week
|
.jpg "Springdale_Chamber_(1).jpg")
As always, it’s a pleasure to have the Springdale Chamber of Commerce in Washington. We spent the afternoon on Monday discussing issues happening in Washington that are impacting folks back at home in AR-3, like negotiations on Compact of Free Association for the Marshallese community, our nation’s defense readiness and how it relates to our district, and the current government funding situation. Of course, I showed them around the People’s House as well! Our collaborative efforts help boost our local economy and improve the lives of the people of Arkansas’ Third. I appreciate the visit and their dedication to our community!
|
.JPG "American_Academy_of_Orthopedic_Surgeons_(Scotty_Cooper).JPG")
Dr. Scott Cooper is not only a good friend of mine, but he’s a fantastic doctor at home in Rogers at Mercy Clinics Orthopedics. He visited me along with two other Arkansans, Dr. Dale Blasier from Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Patrick O’Brien, a resident from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Ensuring access to high quality care for Medicare beneficiaries was on their minds, as well as addressing healthcare workforce issues. I remain committed to making sure our doctors have the tools needed to guarantee Arkansans get top-notch quality care.
|
Chances are cancer has touched someone you know in your life. This devastating disease remains among one of the leading causes of death worldwide. We can do our part here in Congress to meet the needs of patients and doctors in search of a cure. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network came to my office to discuss the importance of funding for lifesaving medical research for cancer treatments. Investment now can save money, and most importantly lives, in the long run. It’s also important to remind people about prioritizing early screenings. Catching cancer early is paramount, and insurance coverage for early detection screening is important to assist in this mission. I appreciate the insightful visit.
|
Christian schools provide a path for students to walk alongside the Lord through education. Policies I stand in strong support for, like school choice, are important to schools like Shiloh Christian. I appreciate the school’s superintendent, Dr. Keith McDaniel, for sharing with me their priorities and for the candid conversation.
|
.JPG "National_Confectioners_Association_(NCA).JPG")
The sugar industry is pretty sweet until it comes to unnecessary regulations. The National Confectioners Association shared with me their concerns and the need for reform. I have provided long-standing support for sugar program reform to alleviate the burden on consumers and producers, and I remain committed to making sure they receive their much-needed changes.
Reminders!
|
.png "Mobile_Office_Hours_(4).png")
Mobile Office Hours
Are you having issues with a federal agency? My team is here to help!
Next week, stop by our mobile office hours in Cedarville and Berryville to assist and answer questions you may have. No appointment needed!
PACT Act Announcement
Attention veterans – you have one more week to enroll!
Veterans who deployed to combat zones and never enrolled in VA healthcare can now enroll directly for a limited time, thanks to the PACT Act. If you or a veteran you know left active-duty service between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, you have until Sept. 30 to secure retroactive benefit coverage. You can still apply after September, but you will not be eligible for benefits retroactive to the passage of the PACT Act. More information here.
I will remain in D.C. next week for legislative business, and I hope you have a great weekend ahead! Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|