Washington, DC—February 29, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7463, the Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024.

Congressman Womack said, "We've punted our fundamental duty of funding the government five months past the due date. I'm incredibly disappointed—America deserves better. Another CR is regrettably necessary to responsibly avoid a harmful government shutdown and protect hardworking Americans, veterans, and our troops. Important projects in Arkansas' Third, including the FMS mission in Fort Smith, depend on our progress. This move will keep us on track to pass full-year appropriations this month."

The continuing resolution extends FY23 funding for the following appropriations bills through March 8, 2024:

• Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
• Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

The bill extends FY23 for the remaining eight bills through March 22, 2024

Womack has consistently advocated for solutions to fix the broken budget and appropriations process, which has failed the American people for too long. He co-chaired the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform and introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to modernize and streamline current processes. Some of the reforms he supported would have helped prevent a budget and appropriations deadline crisis like we see today. Additionally, he called for moving to a biennial budget, ensuring realistic deadlines for Congress to complete its budget and appropriations work, and requiring a joint Budget Committee hearing on the Fiscal State of the Nation.