Washington Update

Appropriations Markup

Congressman Womack remarks at FSGG Subcommittee markup, highlights unworkable spending

Yesterday, I participated in my first markup in my new role as the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG). For those unfamiliar with markups, it is the process by which congressional committees and subcommittees debate, amend, and rewrite proposed legislation before it is advanced to the floor. We were focused on the FSGG appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2022. The legislation provides annual funding for the Department of the Treasury, the Judiciary, the Executive Office of the President, and other independent agencies, including the Small Business Administration.

At the start of my remarks, I reflected on the fact that the last time I was in the same room, it was in the fall of 2018, and the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform was having its final vote. It saddens me to know that on that day we were just a few votes short of implementing some changes to the budget and appropriations process that I think would have really done America a big favor. And we're about 100 days away from the beginning of a brand-new fiscal year, and yet this is the first subcommittee markup in the process. We must do better than this.

While I thanked Chairman Quigley for his friendship and work to move this bill forward, a lot of adjustments will be needed. Unfortunately, as currently drafted, the bill’s uncontrolled baseline spending is not justified and ignores our unsustainable fiscal trajectory. It also includes several controversial policy changes that I can't support. I was hoping that in Fiscal Year 22 we could start to limit federal spending as the costs associated with the pandemic waned.

It includes an overall 20% increase, with double-digit increases across most agencies, at a time when liberal politicians have already mortgaged American taxpayers and future generations with debt that can only be paid through higher taxes. Cuts to national security in order to justify this out-of-control spending is a threat to all Americans. Congress must make the appropriate adjustments to prevent this devastating outcome.

Rep. Womack speaks about the broken budget and appropriations process of Congress 

While I believe the IRS could use some additional resources, the bill provides them with nearly $1.7 billion, or 14% more. It wasn't too long ago that the IRS was targeting groups based on political beliefs and wasting taxpayer money on lavish conferences, inappropriate videos, and employee bonuses.

The federal workforce has been teleworking for more than a year, yet the bill provides a $1.4 billion increase to GSA, most of which is for federal buildings and vehicles. I was hoping the lessons learned during the pandemic could lead to savings in office space and travel expenses—not more spending. I assure you that the private sector has learned its lesson.

We're also seeing inflation and historically high debt ushered in by the Administration's excessive spending. I'm greatly concerned these realities will hinder the recovery and burden future generations of Americans.

There are also several controversial policy changes included in the bill, such as allowing DC tax dollars to fund abortions and removing the prohibition on federal employee health benefits funding for abortions.

While I have many concerns with the bill at this stage in the process, I remain hopeful that at some point in the near future, we'll be able to reach a bipartisan and bicameral agreement on spending and eliminate controversial policy changes. I'm confident that, as the process moves forward, we can continue working together to find bipartisan agreement on the items that matter most. Learn more here.

Holding China Accountable

Behind the scenes as Congressman Womack records a video segment 

This week, I supported a bill to force COVID-19 transparency from China by cosponsoring the COVID-19 Act of 2021. The legislation would authorize sanctions and other restrictions against Chinese Communist Party (CCP) scientists if China fails to allow a transparent, international investigation into the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Additionally, it would prohibit any gain-of-function research cooperation between any Chinese individuals and institutions and any individual or institution in the United States that receives federal funding.

The CCP deliberately suppressed information and hid the truth of the virus from the start. The consequences were a global calamity. The American people and international community deserve to know the origins of this pandemic. There is no question China will continue to cover up the truth and manipulate the WHO unless we force their hand. This bill makes the choice clear—advance a full and transparent investigation or face consequences.

Summary of Provisions:

• Sanction leadership at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, including its more than 100 affiliated institutes and laboratories, 13 local branches, and 2 universities;
• Prohibit U.S. federal research dollars from funding any of the aforementioned CAS-affiliated institutions, in addition to more than 430 science and technology enterprises created by the CAS or founded with CAS investment; and
• Prohibit any U.S. individual or institution receiving federal funding from cooperating with any Chinese individual or institution on gain-of-function research.

Navigable Waters Protection Rule

The Biden Administration should not replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule 

Clean water is a priority we all share. Localities are best equipped to manage the water and land within their borders, and the Navigable Waters Protection Rule rightfully puts authority back in the hands of communities. The Biden Administration action to revert back to the failed Obama-era version of this rule is wrong. I joined the Arkansas delegation in condemning this decision. The action will once again unduly burden hardworking farmers, ranchers, and landowners. We can protect our natural resources without infringing on the rights of Americans. Arkansans are good stewards of the land and should make their own decisions about their own property—as they have for generations—without the EPA looking over their shoulders

Learn more.

Meetings

Arkansas’s 2020 Principal of the Year and 2021 Assistant Principal of the Year

Rep. Womack talks education with Arkansas school administrators 

I appreciated speaking with Chelsea Jennings, Assistant Principal of Lakeside Junior High in Springdale, and Darin Landry, Principal of Lakeside High School in Hot Springs, about education issues and the importance of strong schools. We talked in-depth about learning, good behavior, and prioritizing health. Our kids are our future, and I am proud to say that Arkansas teachers and educators have done a great job in preparing the next generation and navigating classroom issues throughout the pandemic. I would also like to highlight that Assistant Principal Jennings was named the 2021 National Assistant Principal of the Year! Congratulations on this great honor!

Arkansas Electric Cooperative High School Youth Tour

Rep. Womack speaks with high schoolers from Arkansas

A huge thank you to the Arkansas Electric Cooperative for coordinating a call with high schoolers from across Arkansas. I discussed my background, challenges right now in Congress, the House Appropriations Committee’s role and responsibilities, and the importance of public service. I encouraged them to ask questions and seek the truth. We are living in an environment where misinformation has become one of the greatest challenges to the future of our democracy. Misconstrued headlines, social media posts taken as fact, distorted articles with half-truths, and a lack of constructive dialogue on many levels. I challenged them to deliberate, question, and research. I also stressed them to remember: “If not you, then who?” One of the hardest parts of leadership is leading and not knowing if anyone is going to follow – but you will never know if you don’t try. So be ready to step up, confront challenges, and leverage your God-given strengths.

American Seed Trade Association

Rep. Womack on virtual meeting discussing agriculture issues

I joined members of the American Seed Trade Association from the Third District for a discussion on agricultural research. We spent a lot of time talking about the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) that has seen research grants go to the University of Arkansas and other researchers in the Natural State. Research will help ensure that US agriculture remains globally competitive and continues to lead the way in innovation.

Dr. Ben Carson

Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Dr. Ben Carson, and Congressman Womack

Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson, stopped by my office to discuss good citizenship and the importance of improving civics education, promoting literacy, and rewarding high academic achievers. While Dr. Carson and I have different professional backgrounds, we share a common determination to serve our country and do our part to ensure that our Constitution and values are preserved for our grandchildren’s generation. I am thankful for Dr. Carson’s leadership in this area, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on this critical mission.

Passport Reminder

As we turn the corner on the pandemic, I’m heartened to see Americans booking trips and ready to explore new destinations abroad. With a lost year of international travel, for many, passports and travel have been out of sight and out of mind. My office wants to keep Arkansans on the move by reminding everyone to check their passports when planning an international trip. We’ve recently seen an uptick in situations where people have realized their passport has expired at the last minute. High demand has limited the turnaround on both emergency and routine requests. If you are planning a trip, please check your passport or apply for a new one today. We are here to assist on these issues if you run into complications.

If you have an inkling of traveling in the near or distant future – don’t wait! Apply for your passport or renewal today!

Helpful passport information and reminders:

• Mail delays are impacting when the U.S. State Department is receiving passport applications for processing. Processing times begin the day they receive your application, not the day you mail it.
• All centers are experiencing longer than usual processing times. Expedited service is up to 12 weeks, and routine service is up to 18 weeks – nearly twice as long as pre-pandemic service.
• Passports typically must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit the U.S. So, even if your passport is still valid today, please ensure it will still be valid six months beyond your scheduled plans.
• Please plan ahead. If you request an emergency passport, because of the current influx of requests, there is no guarantee it can be processed in time.
• We hope that by alerting the public to these longer processing times, Arkansans will request their passports sooner, alleviating the stress of wondering if they will receive their passport in time or potentially missing their trip.   
• Updated information regarding COVID-19 passport operations and service timelines here.

Also, I wanted to give a quick shoutout to my grandson. Way to go Kaden!

All smiles from Kaden!

Remember to keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the Third District and Washington.