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Policy Update: The Iran Deal

As you may know, last night Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York publically announced that he will oppose the Iran nuclear deal when it comes to the Senate for a vote. Now, Senator Schumer and I agree on practically nothing – but I cannot stress how much I agree with his position and how much his stance matters to Congress’s ability to ultimately defeat one of the potentially greatest security blunders of our lifetimes. Many of my constituents have reached out to me with questions regarding the Iran Deal – have I read the deal? Does Congress get to vote? And what are the terms of the d... Read More »

Policy Update: Arkansas’s Role in Defending our Nation

There is no question that Arkansans understand the importance of a well-trained, well-equipped military. But did you know how much federal defense investments affect our state? Many Arkansans would be surprised to know that the number one export from our state is aerospace. This includes the missiles and rockets manufactured by almost 3,100 employees in Camden, Arkansas. In the Third District, did you know that employees in Springdale are using plasma welding to refurbish jet engines for the Air Force? Or that highly-skilled workers in Russellville are using sophisticated metal techniques to c... Read More »

Policy Update: Obamacare

Obamacare has increased costs for families and businesses alike, killed jobs, made full-time employment harder to find, and limited choice in and access to health care; it’s no wonder that it’s more unpopular than ever. Even President Obama knows Obamacare isn’t working – he has signed into law nine bills which repeal or defund parts of it and has made unilateral changes or delays to the law 25 times. In fact, there have been so many delays and exemptions granted by President Obama, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently acknowledged that it can no longer estimate the budgetary impact ... Read More »

Policy Update: The OFCCP

Federal contractors, companies that provide goods and services to the federal government, must meet certain non-discrimination, affirmative action, and equal employment opportunity requirements to do business with the federal government. To ensure federal contractors are meeting their obligations, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DoL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) conducts compliance reviews. Over the last several years, I have met with federal contractors across the country, including in Arkansas, about the challenges they face in dealing with the OFCCP. Among other th... Read More »

Policy Update: The VA Scandal

Americans are empowered when their government works for – not against – them. But as you know, the federal government has faced quite a few scandals as of late, including the IRS targeting scandal, the attack in Benghazi, and the VA scandal. In this week’s policy update, I will discuss the VA scandal and what Congress has done in response to the revelation that some within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hid waiting lists of patients from official records. Earlier this year, news broke that veterans who had bravely served our country were suffering and even dying because they had been ... Read More »

Policy Update: A Workforce for the 21st Century

This month, as I travel around the district and hear Arkansans’ thoughts on important issues facing our country, I want to take the time update you on issues on which Congress has been working. This week, I want to talk about legislation that will strengthen the U.S. labor force and keep American businesses competitive. In 1998, Congress passed the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) to consolidate and improve employment, training, and vocational rehabilitation programs in an effort to align the skills of American workers with the needs of our businesses. President Bill Clinton signed WIA (... Read More »

Happy Independence Day!

Dear Friends: In July 1776, George Washington was preparing for the defense of New York City. British vessels filled the harbor, and the apprehension was palpable. A communication sent by Continental Congress President John Hancock and dated July 6, 1776, arrived at the general’s headquarters. The letter instructed Washington to share the contents of an enclosed document with the men under his command. He was eager to comply. At 6 p.m. on July 9th, the Continental Army assembled according to Washington’s orders. It was here that the men who took up arms first heard the words that continue to ... Read More »

A Third District Connection to Father’s Day

Garished neckties, potent cologne, and child-made cards with “I luv you” scribbled in red crayon will be placed in the large, open hands of doting fathers across Arkansas’s Third Congressional District this Sunday. To all you fathers out there, enjoy the day; you are worth celebrating. Fathers teach and inspire us. They strengthen us. They guide us. Their love is unconditional. The value of a father cannot be underestimated, though it all-too-often is. One person who didn’t undervalue the role of a father was Sonora Smart Dodd. Her mother died during childbirth when Sonora was 16 years-old, l... Read More »

Memorial Day

In remarks to a gathering at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Gravette, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) paid tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have died in service to this nation. Womack used the account of the “Morenci Nine," nine members of Morenci, Arizona’s Class of 1966, who enlisted in the Marine Corps as the war in Vietnam was raging. They were emblematic of rural America; they played sports together, rode horses and hunted together, and committed their lives to our nation in the most selfless of ways. Six of those Marines were killed in action. The little town... Read More »

Happy Easter!

Dear Friends: This weekend, people around the world will be united in a special way as we celebrate Easter. As you wrap up your weeks and consider the days ahead, let us take a moment to reflect on the season's true joy. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live through Him. It is with such sacrifices, we are granted the opportunity to humble our hearts and renew our faith. This Easter, I pray that you will join me in sharing this sense of restored strength and hope in each other – and in this great nation – so that we, too, can create a better future for our children. It is truly... Read More »

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