July 24, 2026

In this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol (CFTC), I break down a successful week of passing legislation in the House including this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a continuing resolution to prevent the threat of a government shutdown, a bill to prevent insider trading by Members of Congress, and the framework of another budget reconciliation package. I also outline my tour of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild site and my meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss trade challenges for Third District stakeholders. Listen HERE or click below.

I started the week traveling to Baltimore, Maryland, to visit the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild site with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Representative Steny Hoyer (MD-5), and other members of the Maryland delegation.

Here’s why I was there—

As Chairman of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I play a key role in providing funding for the Department of Transportation (DOT), including the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) Program. This account provides federal funding for the repair or reconstruction of highways and roads damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic failures. The rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which carries the I-695 Baltimore Beltway, is one of the projects that receives funding through the ER Program.

Proper oversight of the American taxpayer dollars being used to rebuild the bridge is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and my visit allowed me to see firsthand how the project is progressing.

During the tour, I observed the site's transition from critical demolition clean-up to early construction work, including the installation of vessel protection piles—with piling materials supplied by AFCO Steel of Arkansas. These piles are a key structural element designed to protect the new bridge's piers from future vessel strikes.

It is also important to understand that completing the Francis Scott Key Bridge is of national importance. This bridge is a vital artery for the movement of people and goods, and its success unlocks the full potential of commerce along our Eastern seaboard.

I remain committed to working with President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Governor Moore to ensure this project receives the necessary resources for a safe and efficient rebuild that will prevent a future catastrophe.

Read more HERE.

The House Appropriations Committee this week held a hearing to discuss solutions to prevent government shutdowns and the painful consequences that funding lapses inflict on the American people.

Testifying before the committee was Senator James Lankford (OK), Representative Tom McClintock (CA-5), and former Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and current New York University School of Law Distinguished Scholar Shalanda Young.

During my round of questioning, I highlighted the merits of Rep. McClintock’s legislative proposal that would provide for the expedited consideration of appropriations bills in the Senate. Currently, the Senate needs to overcome a 60-vote procedural threshold to consider appropriations bills—a rule that often causes these funding bills to stall in the upper chamber after passing the House. If Rep. McClintock’s bill were to become law, only a simple majority would be needed to pass appropriations bills in the Senate.

I also asked Ms. Young to outline the benefits of moving Congress to a biennial budget framework—a key pillar of my newly introduced bill, the Budgeting for a Better America Act. Her response: "You were in my opening remarks as one of the proposals. I've always thought that was just commonsense."

Watch more HERE.

Read more about the Budgeting for a Better America Act HERE.

It was a jam-packed week in the House as I outlined in CFTC. Here’s a recap of the major bills we passed:

A continuing resolution that would fund the federal government at Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 levels through December 4, 2026—preventing the threat of a government shutdown if Congress is unable to pass FY 2027 funding bills before the September 30th deadline. Read more HERE.

A budget resolution instructing relevant House committees to provide up to $95 billion for defense and intelligence capabilities, aid for farmers, and election security. This kickstarts work on the third budget reconciliation package of this Congress. Read more HERE.

The Stop Insider Trading Act, which aims to prevent Members of Congress from using their positions and nonpublic information to benefit financially from sales made on the U.S. stock market. The legislation also includes measures to strengthen voter ID laws nationwide. Read more HERE.

The FY 2027 NDAA, which guides defense policy for the next year. This bill also strengthens Arkansas defense equities by:

• Including my amendment to direct the Department of War (DoW) to conduct and publish an analysis evaluating the full lifecycle costs of F-35 basing options for aircraft delivered between FY 2030 and FY 2035.
• Authorizing the Secretary of the Army to conduct a no-cost land exchange between the Arkansas National Guard (ARNG) and the U.S. Army Reserve to provide the ARNG with a new Joint Force Headquarters building.
• Extending a 2024 project authorization for a 3-bay maintenance hangar at Ebbing Air National Guard Base to support the force beddown of F-35 aircraft.

Read more about the NDAA HERE.

Each Friday in the summer, the Marine Barracks Washington holds their evening parade to showcase the discipline and excellence of the United States Marine Corps. I have had the privilege of attending this unique event many times, but last Friday, I was especially proud to serve as the Guest of Honor.

During the parade, we heard members of “The President's Own" United States Marine Band and "The Commandant's Own" U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps play songs such as “You're a Grand Old Flag.” We also watched the esteemed United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon perform a drill sequence with M1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets. Their extraordinary level of precision and coordination is truly breath-taking. And who could forget our furry friend, the Marine Barracks mascot Chesty XVI.

Also in attendance was SGgt James “Jim” Staples—a 99-year-old veteran who served in both World War II and the Korean War.

Our Marines live by “Semper Fidelis” — “Always Faithful.” Their unwavering commitment to the mission, to one another, and to our nation sets them apart. I am deeply honored and humbled to have taken part in this special evening, and I extend my sincere thanks to Deputy Commandant Lieutenant General Joseph Matos and Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric Smith for the invitation.

The Fort Kids Children’s Museum, which will be built in Fort Smith, just received a quarter million-dollar pledge from Simmons Foods. This donation brings the total cash and pledges to over $4 million for the anticipated museum. Last August, I had the opportunity to meet with some of the museum’s board members, and I am looking forward to seeing how this investment—and museum—will positively impact our youngest Arkansans.

Join me in congratulating the Walmart AMP on being ranked the No. 11 amphitheater in the world based on ticket sales. Since the AMP’s opening concert in 2014 with country music superstar Blake Shelton, the venue has welcomed a wide range of artists, and I am excited to continue hearing music play throughout the Pinnacle Hills area.

CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT

This week’s constituent spotlight goes to 1st Lt. Megan LaMendola of Springdale.

Back when Megan was a Har-Ber High School wildcat, I had the privilege of nominating her to attend the United States Naval Academy, where she graduated from in 2022. Megan is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Annapolis and attended last week’s Marine Barracks Evening Parade as one of my guests. We had the opportunity to catch up and below is a Q&A so you can learn more about her.

What inspired you to attend a service academy?

In high school, I visited the U.S. service academies and quickly fell in love with the tradition, camaraderie, and purpose embedded within the schools. Everyone I met was inspiring in their own way, and I knew those were the type of people that I wanted to be surrounded by and who would make me a better version of myself.

Where have you been stationed since graduating from USNA?

My first official duty station after training was in Okinawa, Japan. I served at Combat Logistics Battalion 4 (CLB-4) for two years as a training officer, assistant operations officer, and motor transport platoon commander. I then served my final year in Okinawa at III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion as the Battalion Logistics Officer.

Where are you pursuing your master’s degree?

I am currently part of the LEAD program at USNA. In this program, I will spend one year getting my master’s in Leadership Education and Development. Then I will utilize the master’s degree as a Company Officer for a USNA company, mentoring and guiding the midshipmen for two years.

What has been the highlight of your time in the Marine Corps?

The highlight in my professional career was serving as the Combat Logistics Detachment Officer in Charge for CLB-4. I detached with 45 Marines to Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Fuji for four months in direct support of 4th Marine Regiment Infantry Battalions. During those four months, we participated in multiple training exercises and worked closely with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. Outside of these training opportunities, we had a lot of fun attending the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Tokyo, Japan, visiting the U.S. Embassy, and traveling to locations in mainland Japan.

What is the greatest need of the U.S. military today?

From a top-down perspective, the Marine Corps' greatest need is larger supply and improved maintenance readiness for amphibious ships in order to meet the Commandant of the Marine Corps' intent for the Corps mission accomplishment. However, from a bottom-up perspective, continued improvement of barracks, chow halls, and support facilities is essential for morale and sustained living conditions.

Thank you, Megan, for your continued service to our nation, especially as you begin molding the minds of new midshipmen. Keep up the great work!

As I mentioned above, the House passed the Stop Insider Trading Act. I want to hear from you.

Should Members of Congress be banned from trading stocks while in office?

YES NO Other (please specify)

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My interview on 535 News: Is Congress Running Out of Time to Fix the Budget?

The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Womack joins Maryland governor, others on Baltimore bridge tour

Roll Call: Appropriators ponder alternatives to annual shutdown threats

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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