Washington Recap
It was another week where we failed to address the looming government shutdown, which will be a rude awakening for Congress when we return in the new year.
However, we did get some conservative priorities across the finish line.
Womack-backed legislation passes the House
Protecting taxpayers from the latest Biden Administration student loan handout:
Let’s be clear—there’s no such thing as ‘canceling’ student loans, no matter what President Biden claims. Someone always has to pay the debt. The Biden Administration’s Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) program claims to let borrowers pay back loans based on how much they earn, however the rule alters the program and shifts the burden from borrowers to the taxpayer.
Under the rule, up to 80% of students will never fully repay their loans leaving taxpayers—even if they never went to college or already honored what they owe—to foot the bill. This would cost hardworking Americans hundreds of billions of dollars, while setting the precedent of loans forgiveness. This week, I was glad that my cosponsored measure, H.J. Res. 88, nullifies this unfair regulation to protect taxpayers and halt Biden’s latest student loan handout.
Pumping the breaks on the Administration's rush-to-green agenda:
The American consumer should be in the driver’s seat when choosing which car is right for their families—not the Biden Administration. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) aggressive proposed standards are a de facto mandate for two-thirds of all new vehicles to be electric by 2032.
Reality check: Electric vehicles (EV) remain much more expensive than the average car while being much less practical for many Arkansans, especially in rural communities. Prematurely forcing EVs on consumers also sends a gift to China while hurting auto jobs right here in America. The Administration refuses to bolster our domestic critical mineral processing, and China currently owns 78% of the world’s capacity for manufacturing EV batteries—effectively handing the keys to America’s auto future over to the Chinese Communist Party.
It was a no-brainer for me to vote for the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act. I’m all for free markets and an all-of-the-above energy approach. The Biden Administration’s proposals are simply out of touch with the current wants and needs of America, and come at a cost to our jobs, choices, and national security. The CARS Act prohibits the EPA from implementing harmful standards and pumps the breaks on the Administration’s reckless, rush-to-green agenda.
Censuring Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY):
While my colleagues and I were on the House floor attempting to avert a damaging government shutdown just hours before the deadline on September 30, my Democrat colleague from New York pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings. With no evidence of a fire, he claimed it was an accident and a misunderstanding, but the since-released video shows no confusion. It appears to have been an ill-conceived delay tactic, as many Democrats were attempting—legally—on the House floor that day.
This charade is unbecoming of a member of Congress, which is why I voted to censure Mr. Bowman yesterday.
My 8000th consecutive vote
As I was walking out of my office to head to the House floor to vote on Wednesday afternoon, my staff stopped to tell me I was about to vote for the 8000th consecutive time.
First of all, I’m very lucky that a medical issue or family emergency hasn’t prevented me from ever missing a vote. I feel incredibly blessed to have made it this far without that sort of unfortunate, out-of-control interference.
Second, I made a commitment to you—the great people of Arkansas’ Third. You all elected me to vote and to be completely transparent about representing you. I show what I believe is right for my constituents and for America by voting. It’s something I take very seriously and never take for granted. My voting card belongs to the Third District. My vote is always for something much bigger than myself.
Listen to this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol here to hear more.
Picture highlights from the week:
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This week we had to say farewell to our fantastic military fellow, who happens to be a proud West Point grad, Bonny Bradway. She has been with my team for almost a year now and has worked hard on issues related to national security and our nation’s military while serving Third District Arkansans. Although we will miss her, she will forever be a part of Team Womack! I can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in her next chapter at the Pentagon working for the Army.
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Speaking of military fellows, one of my previous fellows, who is now with the Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, came by to discuss their exciting new projects. Austin Booth and his team work hard to improve fish habitats and encourage recreational fishing access—all of which are important to the people of Arkansas'Third.
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My good friend BG Mark Quander came to my office to catch up. He is the former Commandant of Cadets at West Point and is now Commander of the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division of the US Army Corps of Engineers. We discussed the challenges facing the Corps of Engineers and the upcoming Army vs. Navy football game. Needless to say, it will be a big weekend for both of us rooting for Army!
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Young minds from across the world came to DC to learn how the government of the greatest country in the world operates. They even had the chance to stay in Northwest Arkansas for 10 months. It wasn’t surprising to hear that they enjoyed their time in Arkansas’ Third. I appreciated their insightful questions and visit with me!
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Former Congressman and current friend Gregg Harper joined me with members of AARP to talk about family caregiving. Investing in research for memory care now can help save dollars in the long run when it comes to senior care. Taking care of our seniors remains important to me.
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Calling all future interns!
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My Rogers and Fort Smith offices are searching for motivated college and recent graduates to intern upcoming summer. If you or someone you know is interested, please visit my website for more information here.
Looking ahead
We have one final week before Congress breaks for Christmas. We still have important items to address, including the National Defense Authorization Act, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and the looming government shutdown.
As for this weekend, I will be on the sideline at the Army vs. Navy football game. As a proud Army veteran and Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, it’s always been pretty clear who I cheer for.
However, the best part of the day each year, win or lose, is to see the teams singing each other’s alma mater when the game is over. After all, we are one team united in defense of our country.
Go Army, beat Navy—Sing Second!
I will be back in Washington next week for legislative business. Have a great weekend ahead, and be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime!
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