Welcome to my weekly newsletter
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July 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 outline the reasoning behind my vote on a bill that would mandate permanent daylight saving time nationwide. I also preview the legislation on next week’s docket from another budget reconciliation package to this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Listen HERE or click below.
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The House took an important step forward in protecting our Second Amendment rights with the passage of the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act—a bill I am proud to cosponsor.
Let me explain why this bill matters.
Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) are used by credit card companies and other financial institutions to organize businesses by the types of goods or services purchased. For instance, if you pay the tab at your favorite local restaurant with a credit card, the credit card company likely files this purchase under the MCC, “Eating Places and Restaurants.”
These MCCs are set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and in 2022, the ISO created a new code specifically for gun retailers. This policy has raised concerns that specific firearm MCCs can be used to track law-abiding Americans exercising their constitutional rights.
Since the creation of this code, states like California and New York have mandated the use of MCCs for firearm retailers while several other states have banned the use, including Arkansas.
The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act would solve this issue on the national level and prohibit credit card companies and other entities from implementing MCCs that distinguish a firearms retailer from general merchandise or sporting goods retailers.
The right to bear arms is a fundamental freedom for every law-abiding American, and this bill helps protect our Second Amendment rights even as our financial systems evolve.
Read more HERE. |
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This week, Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG). This marked the first appearances by members of the Supreme Court before Congress in seven years.
During the hearing, the Justices explained to appropriators their priorities in the Supreme Court's Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request. The discussion largely focused on how funding is crucial to providing adequate security and protection for the Supreme Court building, the Justices, and their families, as threats against the Justices have risen sharply over the past decade. Fortunately, the House Appropriations Committee’s FSGG funding bill includes resources for the Supreme Court and the Justices' security needs.
Before the Justices concluded, I asked them to share words of wisdom with the young people in the packed hearing room and those watching online.
Watch their responses HERE.
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In addition to the legislation I discussed in CFTC, the House, with my strong support, passed its third of twelve FY 2027 funding bills: the National Security and Department of State funding bill.
The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act strategically supports our allies while ensuring American taxpayer dollars do not benefit our foreign adversaries. It includes provisions that prohibit federal funds from going to entities like the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Taliban, in addition to providing our allies such as Jordan, Egypt, and Israel with robust resources.
Read more HERE. |
| TELEPHONE TOWN HALL RECAP |
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I hosted a Telephone Town Hall this week to speak with Third District residents and answer their questions on the SAVE America Act, daylight saving time, housing costs, federal funding for local projects, and more.
Thank you to the thousands of constituents who joined and asked thoughtful questions. Your engagement is invaluable, and these conversations are one of the best ways for me to stay connected to the needs and priorities of Third District Arkansans.
If you weren’t able to join, you can listen to the whole event HERE.
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| HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT |
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Exciting news! The city of Tontitown was recently awarded a $17.5 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program. This funding will allow the city to make critical improvements to South Barrington Road, which serves as a major corridor for businesses, churches, and the surrounding community.
The BUILD Grant Program is highly competitive. DOT reported that they received almost 1,200 eligible applications requesting a collective total of more than $14.5 billion. Of these, 127 projects were selected, including Tontitown and the city of Fayetteville, which also received a $640,000 BUILD grant for improvements along Highway 16/Wedington Drive.
As the Chairman of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee, I was proud to work with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to help secure these dollars for worthy infrastructure projects in the Third District.
In other news, June was a record-breaking month at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). The airport saw over 129,000 total enplanements last month, breaking their previous monthly enplanement record by over 3,800 passengers. Additionally, with my support, XNA will add nonstop daily service, operated by United Airlines, to Newark International Airport, giving Northwest Arkansas travelers consistent access to one our nation’s main international destination hubs. As demand in our region continues to grow, I’m grateful for the hard work of all involved in getting travelers where they need to be.
And in Fort Smith, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin presented $1 million in settlement proceeds to the United States Marshals Museum’s “A New Frontier of Giving” campaign— bringing the museum to $8 million raised toward its $12 million matching goal. The campaign is expected to generate $24 million total to help support the museum’s annual operations. |
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CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT
This week’s constituent spotlight goes to Patricia Groce of Fayetteville.
Patricia competed at this year’s National Golden Age Games in Tampa, Florida, with the RazorVets team from the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks. She’s participated in the competition since 2015 and has amassed over 60 medals.
This year alone, she won gold medals in four events: the 400-meter and 50-meter track races, table tennis, and bowling. She also earned silver medals in shot put, javelin, and horseshoes.
Patricia is an 88-year-old veteran that served in the Army Nurse Corps for five years in the 1960s. She continued her nursing career for more than 50 years.
I often tell young people about the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle at all ages, so I’m encouraged by the example Patricia sets for the next generation.
Patricia—Thank you for your service and congratulations on your medals!
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In preparation for my duties as the guest of honor for this week’s Marine Corps Barracks Parade (more on that next week), LTG Joseph Matos and his team came by the office to provide a full briefing for the evening's festivities. Oh sure, we discussed the reception, the President's Own Marine Band, and the Silent Drill Platoon, but we also discussed the incredible men and women who call themselves "the few, the proud." The Marine Corps has an important mission as part of our armed forces, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, and I'm proud to support their efforts and needs through my position on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.
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I always enjoy when the Arkansas National Guard stops by the office, reminding me of my time in uniform with them. BG Chad Bridges, CMSgt Scott Manamon, and their new Legislative Liaison, CPT Ashlyn Garrett, sat down with me to discuss the Guard's legislative priorities. I was proud to sponsor and co-sponsor amendments in the FY 2027 NDAA that would directly impact the Arkansas National Guard's personnel and operational readiness. We also discussed their needs for next year, and some of the strategic goals they have as an organization. Until next time, General!
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I had the opportunity to meet young advocates with the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County—including Katelin, Jose, Tyler, Tali Rose, and Isaiah—along with Lizzie Malcolm, the Teen Unit Director at the club. I enjoyed hearing about the garden they are working on at the Rogers Teen Center to help provide fresh fruit and vegetables to our community.
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Arkansas FFA State Officers, who run the student-led organization for our state, were in town this week. I relayed to them how my father was a proud member of the FFA and that the skills he learned through his membership are those he still uses to this day.
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I had the pleasure of meeting leadership from Air Space Intelligence, an American company leading the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Air Traffic Control software modernization effort. As the lead for the FAA’s Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories (SMART) and Flow Management Data and Services (FMDS) program, they are working to create safer skies and support our air traffic controllers.
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I met with the American Trucking Association’s Women in Motion—including Gena Mullenax of Huntsville—to discuss my support for America’s trucking industry through my role as THUD Chairman. During our meeting, I called my friend Johnelle Hunt and introduced her to the group. Women are leading the way for America’s trucking industry, and it was great to hear their stories.
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I had the distinct privilege of welcoming Singapore Ambassador to United States Lui Tuck Yew to my office. We discussed opportunities for continued U.S –Singapore diplomatic collaboration and the country’s participation in the F-35 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Training Mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base. I also took this opportunity to share with the Ambassador all the incredible things the River Valley has to offer the dozens of Singaporeans who will soon call the Third District their home.
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I welcomed a delegation of government officials from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), including former FSM President Peter M. Christian, to the office for a discussion on the Compact of Free Association (COFA). I was proud to help secure the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 and to author provisions included in the bill that restored federal benefits for COFA citizens. The Compact provides vital investment, services, and the freedom to live and work in the United States for citizens of COFA nations like FSM and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
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A group of 4-H students from Benton County were visiting the nation’s Capitol this week and stopped by my office. They asked me about my work in Congress and how good leadership affects our success. I’m looking forward to seeing the promising futures of these Benton County students: Cullen Eberhard, Krystal Estrada, Weston Evans, Shaffer Grimes, Haden Gunsaulis, Brooklyn Luedecke, Madilyn Luedecke, Emma Millsap, Esther Millsap, Ryker Shofner, Graham Swarengin, Liam Swarengin, and Dominic Vargas.
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I was grateful to give a tour of the Capitol to some of my dearest friends from back home. The Capitol is one of the easiest places in the world to show off, and I’m honored to work here. While they were in the building, I got to take Kingsley and Cooper on the House Floor to cast a couple of votes. Thanks to Gary and Teri Head, Alexandria, Will, and Kingsley Gladden, Murry and Tammy Cline, and Cooper Pierce for visiting.
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As I mentioned above, the House passed the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act focused on protecting the financial privacy and Second Amendment rights of all Americans. I want to hear from you.
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Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Tontitown awarded $17.5 million grant for Barrington Road improvements
KNWA: Community clinic to open year-round in Rogers school, expanding healthcare access
The Madison County Record: 9-year-old finds niche during Giving America Initiative |
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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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