Press Releases

Washington, D.C.—December 20, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after voting for the continuing resolution (CR), the American Relief Act, 2025, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today:

Congressman Womack said, “We were in this mess because we didn’t complete the appropriations process. I've long advocated for reforming the budget process and returning to regular order. However, I supported the CR because it’s better than the original proposal and better than a government shutdown, which would only harm the American public and kneecap President Trump as he is about to take office.

“This package also received my support because it addresses the immediate needs of Third District Arkansans and includes provisions I’ve advocated for. Under my Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee’s jurisdiction, there’s $122 million included in disaster assistance directly for Arkansans who are recovering and rebuilding from the devastating Memorial Day weekend storms. It also provides much-needed resources to Arkansas' agriculture industry dealing with crop loss, government overregulation, and high inflation. These are real-life deliverables for those I proudly represent that cannot be ignored.

“I hope through a unified government beginning in the new year, Republicans will focus on righting our nation's financial ship and passing full-year appropriations as we advance President Trump's agenda.”

Bill Highlights:

• Extends government funding through March 14, 2025.
• Extends current farm bill programs through September 30, 2025.
• Provides $100 billion in supplemental emergency spending to aid states affected by natural disasters, including:
• $80 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief funds for Arkansas to help rebuild affected communities
• $42 million in Highway-Emergency Relief funding for Arkansas
• $21 billion for agriculture disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers
• $29 billion to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to respond to potential future natural disasters in Arkansas and across the country
• Provides $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers who suffered severe financial losses during the 2024 crop year. 
• Extends expiring health care programs through March 31, 2025, fully offset by a reduction in the Medicare Improvement Fund. Includes the following programs:
• Community Health Centers and other public health programs.
• Medicare add-on payments for ambulances, certain low-volume and Medicare-dependent hospitals, and rural providers.
• Medicare telehealth flexibilities.
• DEA scheduling authority for fentanyl-related substances.