Help Is On The Way…
On Friday evening, after an appeals process, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for Johnson and Franklin Counties. These areas were devastated by severe storms back in May.
I am appreciative of FEMA’s reconsideration. Their eventual determination was the correct one and the same conclusion we’ve known all along. These two counties deserve to have full access to the funds available to help them get back on their feet. As I said, when Johnson and Franklin Counties were first denied, it would be hard to imagine what more these communities must go through to get the relief they deserve.
In fact, I met privately with FEMA officials shortly following their initial decision. My office was assisted by the office of Congressman Mike Ross and we worked closely with other members from the Arkansas delegation to get this done.
Again, I want to thank FEMA for its reevaluation, and I want to congratulate the leaders of both counties for their hard work and diligence in representing the interests of those they serve.
Latest Jobs Report…
Well Friday was a busy day as far as news is concerned. Earlier in the day (before the FEMA announcement) the U.S. Department of Labor released the latest unemployment figures for the month of June. Only 18,000 new jobs were added last month—well under the 105,000 economists predicted—raising unemployment to 9.2 percent.
The numbers are disappointing to say the least, but we shouldn’t be surprised. It’s been the same news for nearly two and half years. For 29 straight months, our country’s unemployment has been at or above eight percent. What’s more, this Administration has done nothing but throw money at the problem, hoping it will go away. Their answer? More spending and more taxes. Look at where that’s gotten us. It’s unacceptable.
We are broke and cannot continue spending money we don’t have. Our $14.3 trillion national debt, along with the over burdensome and, quite frankly, irrational regulations being placed on small businesses are stifling job creation.
I and my colleagues in the House have passed nine different bills that have the potential to help create jobs and grow our economy, but the Senate hasn’t considered one.
It is my hope that month number 29 will serve as a reality check to President Obama and Congressional Democrats and that they might join House Republicans in putting this great country back to work.
The following House-passed jobs bills await Senate action:
H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act
H.R. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act
H.J.Res. 37, a Resolution of disapproval regarding the FCC’s regulation of the Internet and broadband industry practices
H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act
H.R. 1230, Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act
H.R. 1229, Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act
H.R. 1231, Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act
H.R. 2021, the Jobs and Energy Permitting Act
H.Con.Res. 34, a Resolution establishing the budget for the United States government for fiscal year 2012 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2021
Busy Week…
This week, the House passed a bill to fund the Department of Defense for the rest of the Fiscal Year 2012. This bill includes funding for critical national security needs and provides the necessary resources to continue the nation’s military efforts abroad.
This is the fourth Appropriations bill we’ve passed and we are on pace to do something the Pelosi run Congress never did—passing all 12 Appropriation bills. At the current rate, we’ll not only get them passed, but we’ll do it on time.
We begin mark ups for the Energy and Water Development (EWD) subcommittee next week where I serve as the Vice Chairman. I look forward to beginning the process on Monday as well as the opportunity to update you next week with the latest information.
Visitors…
I say it every week, but one of the best parts of my job is getting to visit with folks from home while they’re in D.C. and with it being summer and all, we’ve been getting a lot of visitors lately. It’s been great! The pictures from this week are below. Thanks for dropping by!
4-H Youth Group from Arkansas with Congressmen Steve Womack, Mike Ross (AR-04), and Rick Crawford (AR-01) in front of the Capitol
Kendra Beard, Rhonda Dutton, and Brenda Beard from Ozark on the East Steps of the Capitol
The Luchi Family from Rogers on the Speaker's Balcony. (Left to Right: Laura, Megan, Nathan, and Nick)
The Goldschmidt Family from Rogers on the East Steps of the Capitol. (Left to Right: Mike, 5 yr old Peyton, and Sara holding 5 month old Connor)
The Gamble Family on the East Steps of the Capitol. (Left to Right: Aaron, Landry, Dali, and mom, Tara)
The Hewins Family on the East Steps of the Capitol. (Left to Right: Kenneth, Amelia, and Kenny)
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and we'll talk again next week.
From the Front…
Steve Womack
U.S. Congressman
AR3
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U.S. Congressman
Steve Womack
Serving the Third District of Arkansas
