Welcome to my weekly newsletter
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April 17, 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 break down the consequential debate in Congress this week that centered on legislation to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This statute gives U.S. intelligence agencies the authority to surveil foreign adversaries such as spies, terrorists, hackers, and cartel leaders. While most members of Congress agree on the need for this authority, disagreements over how it should be implemented created turmoil in the House this week. Listen HERE or click below.
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Wednesday was April 15—Tax Day. While most of us can agree we don’t exactly enjoy handing over a portion of our income to the federal government, I hope your tax refund was higher this year than it was last year. If it was higher, there’s a good chance that increase stems from the policies I helped enact into law in last year’s budget reconciliation package: the Working Families Tax Cuts.
The Working Families Tax Cuts legislation…
- Protected the average taxpayer from a $1,700 tax hike.
- Preserved and increased the standard deduction for 90 percent of taxpayers.
- Eliminated tax on tips and overtime pay.
- Raised the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 for more than 330,000 Arkansas families.
- Made the 199A small business deduction permanent for more than 173,000 small businesses.
- Saved more than 35,00 family-owned farms in Arkansas from an increased Death Tax.
- Created new tax relief by adding an additional $6,000 deduction for those 65 and older.
Thanks to these provisions, the average tax refund nationwide is about 11 percent higher so far this season. The House Ways and Means Committee also determined that the average taxpayer in Arkansas is receiving a tax cut of $2,962 this year.
I had the opportunity to meet a new Third District resident this week who has benefited from the no tax on tips policy. Her name is Sharon Simmons. You may be familiar with her too after she delivered McDonalds to the White House as a DoorDash driver.
Beyond visiting the White House, Sharon also was on Capitol Hill sharing how she has saved thousands of dollars this tax season. Listen to what she said HERE.
It was a pleasure to meet and introduce her at a roundtable with other Americans who have more money in their pockets because the Working Families Tax Cuts.
Watch more HERE.
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As a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I participated in two hearings this week where I asked military leaders about their needs for the next fiscal year. The testimony provided by the witnesses will help us appropriators determine how best to allocate taxpayer dollars.
During a hearing with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Acting Army Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve, I asked how the Army plans to balance rapid innovation with standardization, as well as the status of the Army's munitions supply.
Watch more HERE.
I also asked General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, in a separate hearing about challenges in state active-duty reimbursement; the importance of robustly funding the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account (NGREA); and how integral Combat Training Center (CTC) rotations are to the training of our Army.
Watch more HERE.
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Outside of the FISA debate, which I discuss in CFTC, the House also passed with my support:
FENCES Act, which ensures that states are not unfairly penalized for not meeting national air quality standards due to foreign emissions.
RED Tape Act, which removes duplicative regulations that slow environmental reviews and deployment of federal projects. |
| HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT |
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Good news for the River Valley! In case you missed it, construction on the more than $18 million slackwater harbor at Five Rivers Distribution in Van Buren could begin by November after the project received federal approval to move forward. The harbor is expected to improve barge capacity and regional freight infrastructure, creating opportunities for continued economic growth.
In Rogers, the Arkansas Health Care Association’s School of Nursing celebrated 22 graduates in its first cohort. The program is the first of its kind and aims to help ease Arkansas’s shortage of licensed practical nurses. Congratulations to each graduate for their achievements and thank you for keeping our community healthy. |
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CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT
This week’s constituent spotlight goes to Keily Diaz of Berryville.
Keily is a junior at Berryville High School and was just announced as the winner of my 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Her winning artwork, “Paciencia y Fe,” will soon grace the halls of the United States Capitol for an entire year. This portrait of Keily’s late grandmother highlights the virtues her family remembers the most: her patience and her faith.
While Keily has been creating art for many years, she started painting seriously in her freshman year of high school. She is supported by her family and the wonderful teachers at Berryville High School, including Mrs. High, Mr. Hooker, and Mr. Sayer.
In the future, Keily plans to continue studying painting and art history. She has already inspired many through her work, and I know she will continue to do so as she grows as an artist.
And if you’re in D.C. taking a tour of the Capitol through my office over the next year, be sure to ask to see Keily’s work in the halls.
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While leaders from the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce were in town this week, I had the chance to speak with them about the latest on the Foreign Military Sales program at Ebbing Air National Guard Base and the ongoing economic growth for the region. I'm excited to see how these leaders will continue to foster development in their city.
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I had the honor of meeting some exceptional members of the Arkansas National Guard who are here in D.C. keeping our nation’s capital safe for residents and visitors alike. I thank these men and women for their service in uniform and commitment to carrying out their mission with excellence. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce for putting together thoughtful care packages with items donated by River Valley companies. These Soldiers and Airmen are a long way from home, and I am glad we could help bring a little piece of Arkansas to them.
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The Command Team from the Arkansas National Guard took a trip to D.C. to brief me on the incredible work the Arkansas National Guard is doing here in our nation's capital, back home in Arkansas, and overseas. You may know that Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, was one of my officers back during my time as a Commander, so it thrills me to see how amazing the Arkansas National Guard is doing under his leadership. I look forward to seeing how the Arkansas National Guard continues to lead from the front and serve as the best Guardsmen in the nation! ALSO PICTURED: Arkansas National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Scott Manamon and Col. Jonathan "Brute" Esparza, Commander of the 188th Wing at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.
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My friend, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, met with me to discuss the Army's current posture and priorities ahead of this week’s budget hearing. In addition to a discussion on readiness and budget outlook, we discussed how Arkansas continues to be a pivotal player in defense production.
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The Honorable John Phelan, Secretary of the Navy, stopped by my office for an in-depth discussion on the Navy's current and future priorities. We discussed the budget and anticipated needs of the Navy, the "Golden Fleet" initiative, and readiness of the force. My confidence was reinforced that our Navy is beyond capable of delivering quick and decisive action anywhere on Earth.
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Before he testified before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I discussed the priorities of the National Guard with Gen. Steven Nordhaus, the 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau. It was a pleasure hearing him brag about the incredible work of the Arkansas National Guard and how integral Ebbing is to the National Guard's current and future missions. We also discussed the State Partnership Program, its growth, and how Guatemala is an amazing partner for the Arkansas National Guard.
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I shook hands with Arkansas Principal of the Year Lisa Williams from Rogers High School, as well as Arkansas Assistant Principal of the Year Jayna Moffit from Rogers Heritage High School. We had a great conversation about the important work they’re doing to educate America’s future, and I voiced my appreciation for what they do every day to serve our students and our community.
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I had the chance to meet with the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, including Alan Lane of Fayetteville, to discuss legislation aimed at protecting children and promoting transparency in artificial intelligence and social media, as usage continues to reach all-time highs.
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In rural parts of our country, folks trust and rely on the local pharmacist. I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of dedicated Arkansas community pharmacists and pharmacy students this week. We spoke about rural communities that are “pharmacy deserts” and how our local pharmacies are a key player in increasing patient access to necessary prescriptions. We also discussed the reforms Congress recently passed to address business practices of pharmacy benefit managers. The pharmacy students from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) spoke about their goals to open their own pharmacy one day and serve their fellow Arkansans.
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During my meeting with Aaron Thompson, the CEO of Ferra Aerospace, I was briefed on the ongoing work happening at the company’s Rogers location that specializes in manufacturing and assembly. We also discussed American-Australian joint defense initiatives that bolster U.S. and global security from emerging threats.
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My good friend Larry Shackelford, President and CEO of Washington Regional Medical System, was in town with his wife Julie, and we had the chance to catch up and talk about the latest at the hospital and his upcoming retirement. Congratulations, Larry, on a well‑deserved retirement and an impressive career of achievements.
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Before I headed to Washington, I was able to participate in the groundbreaking of the NWA Humane Society’s future spay‑neuter clinic in Rogers. As Clay Morgan, the organization’s executive director, noted, it’s a lot easier to spay one dog than to find homes for thirty puppies. I look forward to seeing this project completed and the impact it will have on our community.
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As I mentioned above, tax refunds nationwide are higher on average than last year because of the policies I voted for in the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation. But I want to hear from you.
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House GOP: Americans Share How the Working Families Tax Cuts Are Helping
The Madison County Record: Council honors longtime employee in retirement
The Washington Post: Republicans in Congress back Army secretary |
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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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