December 13, 2024

Washington Update

Comment from the Capitol

One major issue down, one more to go. That’s how I characterize Congress’ work this week. Tune in to my audio report, Comment from the Capitol, to hear a recap of what we did this week—passed the National Defense Authorization Act—and what’s to come in Congress’ last week in Washington until the new year—pass a funding extension for fiscal year 2025 appropriations to avoid a government shutdown.

I also shouted out my friend and fellow Arkansan, Congressman French Hill (AR-2), for being elected to chair the House Financial Services Committee and shared my predictions for the Army vs. Navy football game tomorrow. Go Army!

Listen HERE and read below to learn more about what we were up to this week in Washington!

Improving America’s Water Infrastructure

I joined most of my House Republican colleagues in passing the Water Resources Development Act, or WRDA. This legislation may not be grabbing headlines, but it certainly will have a significant impact on Americans across the nation, especially in Arkansas. Adequate water infrastructure is critical to growing our economy, moving goods Americans rely on, and protecting communities from natural disasters. I was able to secure priorities for Arkansas’ Third District in the package:

The Beaver Lake Reallocation Study to keep pace with increased water demand in our growing region:

• Beaver Water District (BWD) supplies water to over 400,000 people, and Beaver Lake is the only source of water supply for BWD. The water supply demand has grown by an average of 7% per year for the last four years, and demand will only continue to grow.
• The Beaver Lake Reallocation Study will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study the reallocation of the Beaver Lake water supply to ensure that BWD has adequate storage rights to meet the future water demand of its customers. 

A 100% Federal Cost Share for Inland Waterways Construction Projects to complete a pivotal component of AR-3’s economy:

• This request waves the 65/35 inland waterways construction project cost share to ensure projects, such as the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) 12-foot deepening project, remain at a 100% federal cost share to achieve accelerated completion.

I’m grateful Arkansans will soon benefit from this critical legislation!

Strengthening America’s Armed Forces

As mentioned in my Comment from the Capitol, the House passed an annual, must-pass bill vital to the safety and security of our homeland, strength of America’s armed forces, and deterrence of foreign adversaries—all while ensuring the Department of Defense (DOD) keeps focus on its core mission. Here are some provisions in the bill that have my strong support:

• Encourages DOD to continue investing in expanding Iron Dome system production capacity in the United States, namely at the Camden, Arkansas facility.
• Authorizes funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base Academic Training Center in support of the F-35 FMS mission.
• Authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, along with a 4.5% pay increase for all other servicemembers.
• Refocuses the DOD on military readiness instead of domestic social policy by gutting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, prohibiting Critical Race Theory, and banning the use of taxpayer funds for transgender treatments on children.
• Reaffirms U.S. support to Israel against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
• Reaffirms U.S. support to the defense of Taiwan against CCP threats.
• Authorizes full funding for the deployment of National Guard troops at the southwest border and increases authorized funding by $20 million for DOD counternarcotics activities.

The legislation will now head to the Senate for consideration next week. Although this is a step in the right direction, the mission is not complete until we put resources behind these priorities in full-year defense appropriations.

Join me for a Telephone Town Hall!

From the front...

Congressman Steve Womack
Arkansas Third District