March 6, 2026

In this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol (CFTC), I discuss House Republicans’ efforts to fund the Department of Homeland Security and the hearing I led this week as Chairman of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee. I also preview what’s to come next week, including FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford’s visit to the Third District. Listen HERE or click below.

I hosted a telephone town hall this week to speak with Third District residents and answer their questions on Operation Epic Fury, the Epstein files, immigration enforcement, voter ID legislation, local infrastructure projects, and more.

I sincerely appreciate the thousands of constituents who tuned in and submitted thoughtful questions. Knowing what issues are top of mind for Third District Arkansans helps guide my decisions in Congress.

If you weren’t able to join, you can listen to the whole event HERE.

As I discussed in CFTC, I held my first Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 hearing as THUD Chairman on efficiency at the U.S. Departments of Transportation (DOT) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

At the hearing, I heard from Deputy Inspector General of DOT Mitch Behm and Acting Inspector General of HUD Brian Harrison. Both individuals lead efforts to promote government efficiency and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of federal dollars in their respective agencies.

During the hearing, my colleagues on the subcommittee and I asked questions on DOT and HUD’s capacity to handle taxpayer dollars wisely. One of our fundamental roles as appropriators is to provide oversight and ensure that the departments and agencies we fund are benefitting the American public. The Offices of the Inspector General at DOT and HUD help us with this by identifying areas of waste and highlighting successful programs.

Read and watch more HERE.

The main business this week on the House floor was passing—once again—the FY 2026 appropriations bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is still shut down.

As I have said in this newsletter before, the DHS bill funds much more than immigration enforcement. It funds critical agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Because of Democrats’ grandstanding on the DHS funding bill, our government efficacy is diminished and the paychecks of certain federal workers and servicemembers are at risk.

President Trump’s Operation Epic Fury makes it even more imperative that Congress fund DHS and its umbrella agencies. As we stay on high alert for any retaliatory action from Iran or its proxies, keeping our Homeland secure should be priority number one.

I also supported a resolution that details the ways in which Iran has acted as the largest state sponsor of terrorism. The resolution outlines how the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans and provides substantial financial and military support to terrorist groups including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Read the resolution HERE.

Mercy Hospital Northwest was named one of Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals,” earning the recognition for the second straight year. The ranking was determined through analyzing data such as medical expert recommendations, patient satisfaction, and quality-of-care metrics from hospitals across 32 countries. Read more from KNWA HERE.

In case you missed it, Onyx Coffee Lab was recently named the World’s Best Coffee Shop. Last year, Onyx was ranked second on this list, so I am glad to see this roaster get the global recognition it deserves. Read more from 5News HERE.

And if you ever ask for a cup of coffee in my D.C. office, you’ll be drinking a brew that comes straight from the world’s best coffee shop.

CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT

This week’s constituent spotlight goes to Huntsville Police Officer Emmanuel “Manny” Manjarrez.

On February 25, Officer Manjarrez was dispatched to a home where a 2-year-old girl was unresponsive and not breathing. Officer Manjarrez immediately jumped into action and administered CPR, dislodging the blockage from the girl’s airway and enabling her to breathe again.

Today, that child is safe and healthy—thanks to the quick action of Officer Manjarrez.

Officer Manjarrez joined the Huntsville force in February 2025 and graduated from the Northwest Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) in June. 

Our first responders save lives daily, and Officer Manjarrez is a powerful example of that vital work. I am extremely proud of this young man and encourage him to keep up the great work keeping our community safe and healthy.

Read more from The Madison County Record HERE.

I asked this question during my telephone town hall, but I’d like to hear from all my newsletter subscribers.

Do you support President Trump's military operation in Iran?

YES NO

Submit

Click to open in a separate window

Pea Ridge Times: Womack checks in on NEBCO to learn of needs, ways to help

Fort Smith Southwest Times Record: Womack, Boozman earn national leadership honors

FOX News: GOP lawmakers mourn legendary football coach Lou Holtz

The deadline to submit your original art for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition is less than ONE month away! Every spring, I invite students from the Third District to showcase their artistic talents, with the winning piece displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. This decades‑long tradition has received more than 650,000 submissions nationwide, and this marks my 16th year hosting the competition in the Third District.

The deadline to submit your artwork is March 31, 2026, by 5PM CT. Learn more HERE.

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

Subscribe     |     Unsubscribe     |     Privacy Policy