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March 20, 2026 |
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Welcome to my weekly newsletter, From the Front, where I provide a quick update on what I've been working on in Washington, D.C., and back home in Arkansas's Third Congressional District. |
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In this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol (CFTC), I discuss U.S. military operations in Iran, as well as the status of the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. Listen HERE or click below.
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The Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process is underway and, this week, I attended two briefings to inform our work on the House Appropriations Committee.
In my role as a senior defense appropriator, the commanders of United States European Command (EUCOM) and United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) provided updates to the committee on their areas of responsibility. During the briefing, we heard how each command works to deter conflict, maintain peace and security, and support military operations and cooperation with our allies on these two continents.
I also participated in a briefing with the United States Postmaster General and CEO of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) David Steiner. During this briefing, Postmaster Steiner detailed the financial challenges the Postal Service faces and opportunities for Congress to engage. As a former chairman and current member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, I was glad to hear about Postmaster Steiner’s potential solutions to address the net losses and improve mail service for Third District residents. |
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Here’s what notable legislation the House passed this week:
The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, which I cosponsor, would impose certain sanctions on foreign individuals and entities involved in supporting Iran’s petroleum sector.
A bill to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs which provide small businesses and research institutions like universities with funding to develop and commercialize cutting-edge technologies.
The Deporting Fraudsters Act which creates new grounds for inadmissibility and removability for aliens who have committed fraud against American taxpayers, including within programs such as Medicaid and Social Security.
The Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals or the BOWOW Act which creates new grounds for inadmissibility and removability for aliens who harm law enforcement working animals.
The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act which prohibits the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters unless such regulation is consistent with state law and supported by science. Nationwide, hunters and anglers contribute over $1 billion annually towards conservation funding through taxes on hunting and fishing equipment. Arbitrary bans on lead ammunition or tackle put those conservation dollars at risk. I was proud to cosponsor this measure. |
| HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT |
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Congratulations to the Farmington Lady Cardinals who claimed their fourth straight state championship this past weekend against the Mountain Home Lady Bombers.
In Fayetteville, the Arkansas Razorback men dominated at the 2026 NCAA D1 Indoor Track and Field Championships. Arkansas was already ahead of the pack as the championship continued on Saturday afternoon, but after Tyrice Taylor and Rivaldo Marshall finished first and second in the 8000M, the title win was all but sealed. The Arkansas women also claimed the 4x400m relay title—setting a new school and facility record—and helping them clinch fourth place overall.
Speaking of Razorback athletics, our men’s basketball team won the SEC Tournament after defeating Vanderbilt 86-75. This was the first time since 2000 and just the second time in program history that Arkansas won the SEC tournament crown. The Hogs also won their game yesterday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. You can bet I'll be tuning in to their next game against High Point tomorrow.
Beyond sports, Mercy Fort Smith opened a nearly $4.2M expansion of its Mercy Clinic Primary Care at Chaffee Crossing to meet rising demand for primary care services and support its family medicine residency program with the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE). The 19,548-square-foot addition includes 13 new patient care rooms and space for seven full-time physicians and 38 resident physicians. Read more from Talk Business HERE.
Finally, I am extremely proud that my dad, Kermit Womack, was awarded the Dick Trammel Good Neighbor Award from the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce this week. This award is the Rogers community’s highest honor, and it is presented each year to those who have contributed to the betterment of Rogers and the region.
For those who may not know, my dad owned and operated KURM Radio (790-AM, 100.3 FM) for nearly 45 years. Based in Rogers, the station was devoted to covering local events across a three‑state region. To listeners, my dad was “The Colonel” and a true institution who used his platform to bring people together and be of service to his community.
I was deeply honored to receive the award in 2022, and my dad’s recognition makes us the first father‑son duo to ever receive this prestigious honor.
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CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT
This week’s constituent spotlight goes to David Ferrell of West Fork.
Born and raised in West Fork, David was chosen to be inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame for his historic tenure as the West Fork Tigers boys basketball coach from 1986 to 2013.
During his 21 years as head coach for West Fork, he posted a 458-176 record, won six conference championships, two regional championships, and led the Tigers to their first state championship game appearance.
In 2013, David became a college basketball coach at the University of the Ozarks. He later continued his coaching career at The New School and Rogers High School. But last year, David returned to his alma mater to serve as athletic director.
Congratulations to Coach Ferrell on his well-deserved recognition. Your community thanks you for your commitment to shaping the next generation. |
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I enjoyed meeting with Arkansan advocates from Breakthrough T1D, including Leslie Bland from Siloam Springs. Leslie shared with me scientific breakthroughs that have the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. The research that led to these breakthroughs was made possible by federal investments through the Special Diabetes Program and the National Institutes of Health. I’ve supported these life-saving programs through annual appropriations, and it was exciting to learn about how scientists and researchers are putting these dollars to good use.
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Healthy feet are foundational for mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. I met with two podiatrists practicing in Arkansas, Dr. Brooke Bisbee from Rogers and Dr. Jame Pierce from Little Rock, to discuss the challenges they face when caring for patients. One of these challenges is the administrative burden of prior authorizations that hinder timely access to care for seniors. We discussed a piece of legislation that I support aimed at improving the administrative process so that patients can get the treatment they need as soon as possible.
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I joined 7th and 8th graders from The New School in Fayetteville on their Capitol tour. After meeting in the Crypt, I took them to the Speaker’s Balcony to look out over the National Mall. I reminded the students what a privilege it is to live in this country and how we are indebted to the courageous men and women who have fought to keep us safe. To honor their legacy, the students assured me they would stay in school, make good decisions, watch their health, and be people of charity. After the tour, we swung by my office to meet my staff where I gave each student and teacher my challenge coin.
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At lunch with the Arkansas Municipal League, I discussed the need for Congress to pass regular appropriations on time, as well as the important role Community Project Funding can play in supporting local projects. Having elected officials who put first the towns and cities they were chosen to represent and lead is critical, and the mayors and other leaders present at the lunch are among the best examples of that.
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I had the opportunity to meet with Robinhood co-founder and Aetherflux Inc. founder Baiju Bhatt to discuss innovative ways of enhancing our nation’s growing need for energy capacity.
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I appreciated the chance to meet with members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers from the Third District to discuss continued support for STEM research and education, as well as the importance of retaining talented innovators here in the United States.
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Keith Macedo, the Chief of Staff at the City of Fayetteville, stopped by my office this week to give me an update on the city’s operations. We also talked about the Community Project Funding process and how I can help contribute to the growth happening in Fayetteville.
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I met with Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse to get an update on the city's extraordinary growth. We also discussed how Springdale remains a manufacturing hub for the Third District and how we can work together on issues that matter most to residents.
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I joined Palmer Luckey, inventor of Oculus VR and founder of the defense technology company Anduril, at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to see firsthand how the cadets and faculty there are developing innovative solutions and technology that will bolster our military might and readiness. While we were there, we also got a taste of the Academy’s rigorous cadet training by jumping into the pool to participate in combat swimming.
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As I discussed above, the House, with my support, passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act this week. But I want to hear from you.
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My interview on KFAY-AM: Steve Womack on The Steve Finnegan Show
5NEWS: Construction continues on I-49 Alma to Barling project, second phase on track to be completed in 2029
Southern Living: This Southern Coffee Shop Was Just Named The Best In The World |
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There’s still time to enter the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Each year, I invite high school students from the Third District to submit their original artwork for a chance to have it displayed in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year.
Students may submit paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media pieces, computer‑generated art, or photography.
Artwork can be dropped off at any of my district offices by March 31. Learn more HERE.
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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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