January 9, 2026

In this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol (CFTC), I outline the latest developments in the appropriations process following the House’s passage of three additional Fiscal Year 2026 funding bills. I also address the House’s recent vote on extending Obamacare enhanced subsidies and more. Listen HERE or click below.

As I outlined in CFTC, the House passed another three Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills this week to fund the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Energy, and Interior, as well as the Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies.

As part of this package, I am proud to share that I secured $3 million for the city of Springdale and Springdale Water Utilities, and $3.75 million for the city of Elkins to fund much‑needed water system improvements. Both cities are experiencing tremendous growth, and these dollars will go toward strengthening their critical infrastructure.

The spending package also provides robust funding to expand nuclear and geothermal research and development, further unleashing American energy. To protect our communities, the bill increases funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and provides funding to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assist law enforcement in addressing illicit drug trafficking, illegal immigration, child exploitation, and more.

Read what else is in the bill HERE.

In addition to the three‑bill spending package, the House considered the clean three-year extension of the Obamacare enhanced subsidies. I voted against it, and here’s why.

First, let me level-set. People who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace have been eligible for tax credits to lower their monthly premiums since 2014, provided they meet certain criteria. That benefit is not going away.

As I have outlined in this newsletter before, Congress temporarily enhanced these subsidies during the pandemic by removing the maximum income cap of 400 percent of the poverty level, in addition to increasing the value of the subsidy. Democrats later extended these enhancements and set the expiration for the end of 2025.

To emphasize: There is NO maximum income cap for these enhanced subsidies. The expiration of these enhanced subsidies effectively reinstates the maximum income cap, so individuals making up to 400 percent of the poverty level are still eligible for the original tax credits to reduce their premiums.

The House was forced to vote on a clean three-year extension of these enhanced COVID-era subsidies without any reforms or guardrails. Doing so would be both an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars and ineffective in addressing the long-term problem of rising healthcare costs.

Nevertheless, the House, led largely by Democratic support, voted to extend the enhanced subsidies, sending the measure to the Senate. I discuss what I think the Senate will do in CFTC.

I took to the House floor this week to recognize Walmart CEO Doug McMillon for his visionary leadership and remarkable success. At the end of this month, he will conclude a twelve‑year run as Walmart’s CEO, and I was proud to highlight his incredible American success story.

Click HERE or below to watch my full remarks.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention that my dear friend, Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (MD‑5), delivered remarks on the House floor announcing his decision to retire at the end of the 119th Congress. As a fellow appropriator, Mr. Hoyer and I worked closely together during my time leading the subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, where we became good friends. Mr. Hoyer has served Congress and his district with honor, and I wish him Godspeed.

Watch Rep. Hoyer’s remarks HERE.

Poland’s final F‑35 arrived this week at Fort Smith’s Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

The first two aircraft reached the base in late December, and the Air Force’s 85th Fighter Group will train Polish fighter pilots to operate the newest generation of jets through the Foreign Military Sales program.

I am very proud of what we have accomplished in Fort Smith with this training mission, and I look forward to seeing its continued growth.

CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT

This week’s constituent spotlight goes to Naval Academy Midshipman Harrison Henry of Fayetteville.

Harrison was recently elected Class President of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2028.

Earning admission to a military service academy is a unique and distinguished honor. Each year, I am proud to nominate highly motivated young people who are willing to wear the uniform and swear an oath to defend the United States. Harrison is one of those exceptional individuals.

A native of the Third District, he graduated from Fayetteville High School in 2024, where he served as captain of both the tennis and lacrosse teams. He is also a proud Eagle Scout and a Boys Nation Senator representing Arkansas.

Harrison is a bright, dedicated, and civic‑minded natural leader. It is no surprise to see him elected class president, and he will undoubtedly become an outstanding U.S. Naval officer.

As we continue working to complete our appropriations responsibilities ahead of the next deadline, I’d like to hear from you.

Do you support Congress fully funding the government with updated levels rather than relying on a continuing resolution?

Fully fund the government with updated levels for Fiscal Year 2026. I am okay with a continuing resolution.

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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

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