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As Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee on Appropriations, I held a subcommittee markup for my fiscal year 2025 bill—which is one of the 12 must-pass bills each year.
The bill prioritizes transportation safety from our roads and bridges to the sea and sky, while ensuring a responsible safety net with housing support for our most vulnerable citizens. It keeps hardworking taxpayers front of mind by carefully allocating resources only to the most critical missions at the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The bill is nearly $3 billion less than last year’s bill, as I continue working to responsibly utilize your tax dollars.
Most importantly, it delivers for Third District Arkansans. I secured funding for 10 projects throughout our region, which will transform smaller towns and complete crucial transportation construction in the district.
LISTEN: To my weekly audio recording, Comment from the Capitol, to hear about how the district-specific funding will benefit our community HERE.
READ: How my bill will support our nation's truck drivers, promote safety, and benefit our supply chain HERE.
The bill was approved by the THUD Subcommittee and will now head to the full House Appropriations Committee for consideration.
Promoting America’s Safety and Security
House Republicans cleared 3 appropriations bills this week aimed at making America safer and more secure:
- The Homeland Security Appropriations bill secures our southern border by providing robust funding for border patrol agents and technology, counters China, bolsters national security, and rejects the Biden Administration’s attempts to further its reckless agenda to encourage more illegal immigration.
- The Defense Appropriations bill funds a 4.5% pay raise for our troops, as well as an additional 15% pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers, ensures the delivery of combat-ready forces to deter war and ensure national security, and eliminates funding for President Biden’s social agenda.
- The State and Foreign Operations bill prioritizes resources to support our allies and counter our adversaries, prohibits funding for organizations that do not support U.S. interests—including the International Criminal Court, United Nations Relief Works Agency, and World Health Organization—and promotes American values by increasing funding for religious freedom programs abroad and implementing the expanded Mexico City Policy on all health funds in the bill.
The House has now passed 4 of the 12 FY25 Appropriations bills, with passage of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill in June, but our work is far from complete. We must continue down the aggressive path Chairman Cole has set for Republicans to fulfill our duty of responsibly funding the government.
Honoring 45 Years of KURM
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This week, I recognized my father, Kermit Womack—a legend in Arkansas broadcasting who is retiring on Monday after more than 70 years of service to the industry with the last 45 years as the owner and operator of KURM Radio in Rogers. KURM will retire with him on Monday. Click HERE to listen to my remarks.
Picture highlights from the week:
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My friends Greg Kirkpatrick and Patrick Jacobs of the American Truck Dealers came up to DC to visit and discuss the Biden Administration’s burdensome regulations, which will have detrimental impacts on the industry by forcing them to transition to heavy-duty electric vehicles. I will continue to cut bureaucratic red tape so that our truckers can efficiently do their jobs.
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Dylan Gray—Arkansas’ Third District’s 2024 Congressional Art Competition Winner—was in town with his family this week for the ceremony, which honored the winners from each district across the nation. His piece now hangs in the halls leading to the People’s House to be admired by members, staff, and the thousands of visitors to the nation’s capital! So proud of the talent and creativity of young Arkansans like Dylan!
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Today we said farewell to our first session summer interns in DC. Henry, Landon, Connor, and Barrett have been a great help to my staff and me during their time with us. Thank you for dedicating part of your summer to providing excellent constituent service to Arkansans!
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I had the honor of giving a tour to Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Courtney Hudson and her children Harrison and Emma Kate! Harrison is an incoming midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy! If you and your family ever want a tour of the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my DC office at 202-225-4301.
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My fellow Arkansans and I welcomed the Arkansas Associated Builders and Contractors to Washington! They spoke about challenges facing construction engineering, the workforce, and excessive federal regulation from the Biden Administration’s Department of Labor. I’m proud of our continued work to support contractors in the great state of Arkansas.
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Have a great weekend ahead, and I hope to see you around! Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
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