Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—January 8, 2026… Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. The three-bill package provides full-year funding for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Energy, and Interior, the Army Corps of Engineers, and related agencies.

The package also includes funding secured by Congressman Womack for water system improvements in the cities of Elkins and Springdale.

Congressman Womack said, “With the passage of this bill, we are halfway towards fully funding the government for the remainder of the fiscal year, ensuring that federal spending is aligned with the needs and priorities of the American people. This legislation invests in critical pieces of our federal government to unleash American energy, keep our natural resources safe and clean, and support law enforcement’s efforts to end narcotics trafficking.”

Congressman Womack continued, “While I am proud of the progress we have made, I must underscore the need to complete the remaining Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. Resorting to another long-term continuing resolution is unacceptable and shortchanges the hardworking Americans whose taxpayer dollars keep our government running. Time is of the essence, and I encourage my colleagues to have the same sense of urgency so we can get 2026 priorities enacted and leave 2024 behind.”

Bill highlights

Invests in Northwest Arkansas by:

• Allocating $3 million to the city of Springdale for water system improvements.
• Allocating $3.75 million to the city of Elkins for water system improvements.

Ensures clean waterways by:

• Increasing funding for the Army Corps of Engineers by $1.733 billion, supporting Army Corps operations, maintenance, and construction on dams and bridges at places such as Beaver Lake, as well as helping push forward projects like the White River Basin Study, which I helped secure funding for in Fiscal Year 2024.
• Strengthening long‑term wetland protection programs that conserve our resources and support waterfowl hunting.

Supports rural and small towns and utilities by:

• Providing robust funding for water and wastewater technical assistance grants.

Unleashes American energy dominance by:

• Increasing funding for programs that advance the research and development of nuclear and geothermal energy technologies.

Bolsters our national security and safety by:

• Increasing funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to end the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit drugs
• Supporting Department of Justice (DOJ) grant funding for programs that assist law enforcement in addressing the opioid crisis, illegal immigration, child exploitation, and more.
• Leveling the economic playing field by increasing funding to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to hold other nations accountable for decades of unfair trade practices.
• Supporting American research to counter China’s increasing investments in basic research and technology development.

Accelerates economic development by:

• Supporting Department of Commerce (DOC) grant funding to help state and local partners create the conditions needed to grow businesses, generate jobs, and attract investment in economically-distressed communities.

The text of the three-bill package is available HERE.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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