Press Releases

Fort Smith, AR—May 7, 2019….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced that Taylor Wewers, a student at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS), has been selected to serve as the 2019 John Paul Hammerschmidt (JPH) Fellow. The JPH program, named for former Arkansas Representative John Paul Hammerschmidt, recognizes highly-motivated college students with an interest in public service and the legislative process. Wewers will be based in the Congressman’s Washington office, where she will conduct extensive legislative research, gain insight into the budgeting process, and experience the innerworkings of Congress.

After the announcement of Wewers’ appointment, Congressman Womack and Dr. Edward Serna, interim chancellor of UAFS, released the following statements:

“When we give students an opportunity to be part of the legislative process, we support democracy and help prepare our nation’s future leaders. John Paul Hammerschmidt lived a life of service to his community, and this fellowship encourages our next generation to do the same,” said Congressman Womack. “I look forward to welcoming Taylor to our nation’s capital and continuing JPH’s important legacy of mentorship and public service.”

“This fellowship means a great deal to our university and students. Taylor has used her leadership roles to effect change on campus and consistently demonstrated strong academic ability,” said Dr. Serna. “We are proud to have her represent UAFS as she pursues civic service and engagement at the highest levels.”

Student Background:

Taylor, who is a native of Fort Smith, is pursuing a degree in International Business with a minor in Political Science. She is active in the school community and serves as a member of several organizations, including the Student Government Association, First Bank Corp. Student Leadership Council, First National Bank’s Collegiate Ambassadors Board, and Rotaract. Taylor is expected to graduate as part of the UAFS class of 2020 and hopes to attend law school in the future.

Program Information:

The JPH Fellowship was established in 2013 in conjunction with UAFS and is named for former Arkansas Representative John Paul Hammerschmidt (1966-1993), who passed away on April 1, 2015.  The program is geared towards highly-motivated college students with an interest in public service and allows outstanding Third District students to experience the legislative process firsthand in Congressman Womack’s Washington, D.C. office.  

John Paul Hammerschmidt Fellows will earn college credit for completing a strict curriculum that emphasizes hands-on activities that highlight the inner workings of the U.S. House of Representatives, including conducting extensive legislative research, attending hearings, and monitoring activity on the House floor, as well as assisting with constituent communications and general office matters. Congressman Womack hopes to expand the fellowship to other Third District institutions in the future.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations defense and transportation, housing and urban development subcommittees.

womack.house.gov

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