Weekly Update
It’s that time of year again: the August District Work Period, commonly known as August recess. During this month, Congress pauses votes in the Capitol, and Representatives and Senators return home to their districts. It’s an invaluable time to meet directly with constituents and keep a pulse on the top concerns of our communities.
When we reconvene in Washington in September, we’ll be facing a fast-approaching government funding deadline and, likely, the same divisions that challenged us in July. But perhaps this time away will bring fresh perspective and renewed determination to deliver results for the American people. I know I’ll return with that mindset.
In addition to my regular weekly updates, I’ll use this recess to dig deeper into some of the issues that matter most to the people of Arkansas’s Third District.
Policy Update: Unleashing American Energy
On his very first day in office, President Trump acknowledged what had long been ignored under the Biden administration, that being: America is blessed with an abundance of energy and natural resources, and it is of national interest to utilize these resources to their maximum capacity. The Biden administration actively discouraged the development of these resources through burdensome regulations and shortsighted policies, resulting in high energy costs that harmed consumers, stifled innovation in the marketplace, and compromised national security.
President Trump reversed this detrimental course and has made it the policy of the United States to unleash domestic energy production to create a reliable, affordable, and diversified supply that meets the needs of all Americans and solidifies the United States as a global energy leader long into the future.
My Republicans colleagues and I wasted no time in supporting the Trump administration’s effort to restore American energy dominance and passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Trump signed into law on July 4th. This legislation encourages domestic offshore oil and gas production and investment by lowering the royalty rate charged to producers. Additionally, it decreases the royalty rate for new federal onshore production and restores federal coal leasing. This dynamic shift in policy will allow producers to realize our nation’s untapped potential, strengthening our domestic energy supply and lowering energy costs for consumers.
Not only does this bill boost American energy production, but it also mandates agencies to streamline environmental reviews and adopt an accelerated permitting process. The time for constrictive regulatory environments that hamstring investment and prioritize far-left climate policies rather than the interests of the American people is over; and the time for bolstering innovation across all energy sectors, whether coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind, or solar, is now.
This legislation does exactly what President Trump sought out to, and I was proud to support it. Since my first term in office, I have advocated for policies that support domestic energy production, and I am grateful that this administration understands the importance of this notion. When we support domestic energy production, we make our nation more secure. We stimulate economic growth through domestic job creation and the sale of American-made energy to our international allies. We stabilize an electric grid that can power the next generation of technology, and we make life more affordable for every American.
This landmark legislation promises to empower consumers and invigorate the energy sector as we know it. But my Republican colleagues and I are not stopping there. As this Congress continues, please know I will continue to champion energy policies that support economic growth, revitalize innovation, and bolster national security.
Promoting America’s National Security Interests in the Nordic Region
Before returning home, I joined fellow members of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee on a visit to Finland, Norway, and Sweden to assess military operations and the strategic impact of our committee’s work. We met with senior government officials to discuss key military, political, and economic issues affecting regional and bilateral relations, and received briefings on current and future operations, especially those addressing the threat of Russian aggression.
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I had the opportunity to meet with the President of Finland Alexander Stubb. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Finland imposed tough sanctions against Russia. It’s hurt Finland’s trade and energy, especially gas, but the country stands firm in supporting Ukraine and combatting Russian aggression.
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Our group also visited the Southeast Finland Border Guard Headquarters in Imatra, located along Finland’s eastern border with Russia. In 2023, Finland made the decision to close all eight border crossings with Russia, including the Imatra checkpoint, in response to a surge in asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. As part of its border security efforts, Finland also constructed barbed wire fencing.
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Honoring an Arkansas Sports Broadcasting Legend
My father, Kermit “The Colonel” Womack, was inducted into the Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame this week for his impressive 70-year career in local radio. Over the course of his career, he was the play-by-play voice for live sporting events across the region from Rogers Mounties' football to Moberly Greyhounds’ basketball. It was a privilege to pay him tribute and watch him receive this well-deserved honor.
Sports reporter Leland Barclay and decorated videographer Jim Borden were also inducted for their many years of outstanding sports coverage.
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. |