May 16, 2025

Washington Update

Comment from the Capitol

This week in my Comment from the Capitol, I discuss why being Speaker of the House might be one of the toughest roles in public service—especially now, as Speaker Mike Johnson faces the daunting challenge of passing a budget reconciliation package through a fractured House Republican conference. It’s no easy task, and, if he fails, “he may wish he was Houdini.”

Listen HERE.

In the Hearing Room…

This week, I led the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee hearing on the Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2026 budget request, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy testifying as our witness.

Ensuring that the Department of Transportation has the necessary resources to enhance aviation, road, maritime, and rail safety requires transparency and open communication. That’s why hearing directly from the Secretary during this hearing was critical.

As Chair of the THUD Subcommittee, I oversee a uniquely broad jurisdiction within the Appropriations Committee—one that directly impacts every community across the country.

During the hearing, we were joined by Tim and Sheri Lilley, parents of Flight 5342’s First Officer, Sam Lilley. He was piloting the American Airlines jet that collided with a Blackhawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., earlier this year.

Since that tragic collision, his parents have worked tirelessly to improve aviation safety. Heartbreaking stories like theirs underscore the importance of the work we do on this committee. I take seriously the responsibility of ensuring that our efforts enhance safety, economic opportunity, and the overall quality of life for all Americans.

Read more and watch the hearing HERE.

Additionally, during the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee oversight hearing, I questioned Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson on how the agency plans to rein in its bloated workforce, restore fiscal health, and eliminate harmful regulations that stifle competition and raise prices for consumers.

Watch HERE.

Celebrating National Police Week

As National Police Week draws to a close, I want to pause and honor the unwavering dedication and bravery of our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line daily to protect our communities and keep our families safe.

This week, I had the privilege of meeting a group of Third District police officers who traveled to Washington, D.C., to take part in the events. During their visit, I gave them a tour of the Capitol and enjoyed the opportunity to hear from them firsthand, listening to their concerns, needs, and victories. Check out the photo below!

In the midst of the ongoing Reconciliation Derby, the House passed several important pieces of legislation in observance of National Police Week. Here’s what we passed:

H. Res. 364 encourages local communities throughout the United States to support nonprofit organizations that provide resources to in-need Gold Shield Families—loved ones of fallen police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, correction officers, emergency dispatch officers, and emergency service providers.

H. Con. Res. 30 expresses support for local law enforcement officers by highlighting their tireless and selfless work to protect the communities they serve and honoring the memory of the local law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

H.R. 2240 requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report on targeted attacks against law enforcement officers. It also directs the DOJ to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating such attacks into existing crime reporting systems, as well as examine the mental health resources that are available to law enforcement officers.

H.R. 2243, or the Law Enforcement Officer Safety (LEOSA) Reform Act, expands qualified active and retired law enforcement officer concealed carry rights.

H.R. 2255, or the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025, allows qualified current and retired federal law enforcement officers to purchase their retired service weapons.

Honoring Nonnie Alvis “Whitey” Smith

This week, I took to the House Floor to honor Nonnie Alvis “Whitey” Smith, a beloved pillar of the Rogers community who passed away in late April. I paid tribute to his remarkable legacy of service and compassion, highlighting his decades long volunteer and fundraising efforts in support of Rogers High School athletics. No one has done more for the program.

Watch HERE.

Photo Highlights

There was no better way to kick-off National Police Week than by meeting some of our dedicated police officers from Bella Vista and Bentonville. I was honored to give them a tour of the Capitol and discuss the importance of their work and what I can do to help them keep our communities safe.

I also had the opportunity to have lunch with members of the Siloam Springs, Bella Vista, and Bentonville Police Departments, where we continued important discussions on key issues affecting law enforcement and our communities.

This week, I sat down with General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, ahead of his testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. Our conversation centered on the National Guard’s evolving role related to the Army’s newly announced transformation initiative and its continued integration within the Total Army concept. Additionally, we discussed the F-35 FMS Mission at Ebbing Air National Guard, highlighting its positive impact on Arkansas. General Nordhaus reaffirmed the National Guard’s readiness to deploy globally when called upon and its commitment to supporting communities during times of crisis or need.

I had a valuable discussion with the Arkansas Community Bankers about their essential role in expanding access to banking services across Arkansas. I provided an update on the reconciliation and appropriations process, outlining how these legislative efforts affect AR-3 and the community banking sector.

Have a great weekend ahead, and I hope to see you around! Be sure to check out my website, X, and Instagram pages in the meantime.

From the front...

Congressman Steve Womack
Arkansas Third District