Blog

Lead by Example; Lead From the Front

CONTINUING RESOLUTION (C.R)

        It’s been a long, yet rewarding, week in Washington. After several late nights and early mornings, my Republican colleagues and I passed a Continuing Resolution and cut more than $100 billion from President Obama’s FY11 request. We under promised, over delivered and kept our “Pledge to America”. This was the right step for our district, our state and our country.

        I want to make one thing clear, every dollar is important, which is why these cuts were made with thoughtful intent. As I pointed out last week, these reductions will affect everyone and there’s no hiding the fact that some will hurt. But again, this is the right thing to do. Will there be growing pains? Sure, but we will be a stronger nation because of it.  

        Cutting Washington’s out of control spending will remove job creation barriers and, in addition, grow the economy now and in the future. When government borrows, spends and regulates like it has been, businesses suffer. Let’s get government out of the way and put Americans back to work.

THE TELEPROMTER

         This week, during the debate over funding for the remainder of 2011, I offered an amendment that would, in effect, eliminate funding for the teleprompter utilized by the President.  I pulled the amendment due to the inability of the CBO to timely “score” the effect of this amendment.  Put another way, while we know the teleprompter involves a significant cost to taxpayers, it is difficult to determine just how much.  The issue drew nationwide media attention and even made the monologue of Jimmy Fallon on NBC.  While the TOTUS (Teleprompter Of The United States) has been the subject of national media discussion, it serves as an example of the waste in Washington.  President Obama does not need this type of platform—he is a gifted orator—and his excessive use of the system could be avoided.  Simply put, given the economic issues facing all Americans, I would like the President to lead by example in demonstrating restraint on unnecessary expense of taxpayer dollars.

Here are a few articles from earlier in the week:

 Fox News Network

VIDEO: Fox & Friends

REUTERS

VIDEO: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Monologue

“Aim High…”

 Congratulations to Calvin A. Gammon, Union Christian Academy (Fort Smith) for his recent appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.  Our nation’s defense hinges on our ability to recruit the best and brightest young men and women to service as officers in the U.S. military.  We are proud of Calvin’s honor!



THIS WEEK’S DISTRICT EVENTS SCHEDULE

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

HARRISON TOWN HALL

10:00am – 11:00am

“FISCAL STATUS OF THE COUNTRY”

Durand Center, Durand Room B

303 N. Main St

Harrison, AR  72601
 

&

OPEN HOUSE

11:30am – 1:30pm

(Chamber Ribbon Cutting scheduled for 11:30)

Harrison District Office

303 N. Main St, Suite 102

Harrison, AR  72601

Thursday, February 24, 2011

SPRINGDALE TOWN HALL

5:00pm – 6:00pm

“FISCAL STATUS OF THE COUNTRY”

Holiday Inn – Springdale

Exit 72, Off I-540

Springdale, AR

Friday, February 25, 2011

VAN BUREN TOWN HALL

2:30pm – 3:30pm

“FISCAL STATUS OF THE COUNTRY”

NEW Van Buren Public Library

1409 Main Street

Van Buren, AR 72956

        I believe our country is at a crossroads. As members of Congress, the decisions we make now will affect Americans for years to come. I was sent to Washington as a voice for the people of Arkansas’ Third District which is why I believe in the importance of making these crucial decisions together. These town halls are a way for constituents to voice their concerns. Whether it be job creation, the economy, out of control spending, the deficit, Obamacare or a host of other issues, I want to hear about it. I’d love the chance to meet with you and I hope to see you there.           

        Have a great rest of your weekend and we'll talk again next week.

Congressman Steve Womack