Press Releases

Washington, DC—May 14, 2020….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) announced that he will vote against both H.R. 6800, a $3 trillion liberal wish-list developed by Speaker Pelosi behind closed doors, and H. Res. 965, partisan legislation that seeks to change centuries-old House rules and upend the lawmaking process. He released the following statements on his planned votes, which are expected to take place on Friday:

“Even a crisis won’t stop Speaker Pelosi from trying to implement her far-left agenda. With no Republican input sought, the partisan intent of her legislation is clear. Using this pandemic as an excuse to further blow up the debt and deficit with a list of progressive causes unrelated to coronavirus is not only shameful – it’s exactly what Americans don’t need. The penchant to waste time, play politics, and spend with no restraint must end.  We should be focused on fully implementing previous rescue packages – the largest in U.S. history – and safely reopening the nation,” said Congressman Womack.

He continued, “The people’s work does not stop as we fight the coronavirus. Instead of acting in a bipartisan manner to resume House operations, Democrats are trying to upend the lawmaking process on their terms. Our job is to show up for the American people and fulfill our constitutional duties. Congress needs to get back to regular order – sitting at home is not leading.”

H.R. 6800 is a nearly 2,000-page bill that costs more than $3 trillion. The legislation, which was drafted behind closed doors and with no Republican input, contains many provisions unrelated to coronavirus recovery, including funding for sanctuary cities, provisions to federalize elections, bailouts for fiscally irresponsible states, and more. Reining in unnecessary spending and getting the economy moving again is critical to addressing the fiscal challenges we face as a nation. According to CBO, the annual deficit for FY 2020 is projected to be $3.7 trillion, the highest level in American history. U.S. national debt is currently more than $25 trillion.  

H. Res. 965 is a partisan resolution that would authorize proxy voting. Although Democrats and Republicans are supposed to be working together to identify steps that allow members to safely continue their work, this bill is being brought to a vote without the concurrence or support of House Republicans. Congress may need new procedures to operate, but they should never be adopted on a partisan basis.

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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