Press Releases

ARKANSAS—August 27, 2026... Senior member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) welcomed House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-3) to Arkansas’s Third Congressional District this week. Together, they visited key locations and met with individuals who are contributing to a stronger national defense through advancing research and innovation, as well as bolstering military readiness and global alliances.

Congressman Womack said, “It brings me incredible pride to welcome Chairman Mike Rogers to the Third District and showcase how Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are integral partners in strengthening our national defense. Chairman Rogers’ leadership in guiding defense policy is crucial to Congress’ efforts to meet the evolving needs of our military, and I am proud of the work happening across our region to support our men and women in uniform. From executing critical missions to developing cutting-edge technologies and capabilities, our district is helping ensure our servicemembers are equipped and prepared to meet emerging threats.”

Chairman Rogers said, “I was excited to visit Arkansas’s Third Congressional District with my friend, Rep. Steve Womack. The U.S. defense industrial base is growing for the first time in many years, and districts like ours are the hub of this innovation. I am thankful to Rep. Womack for his leadership and his steadfast support for our nation’s defense.”

Chairman Rogers oversees the drafting of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that authorizes defense policy and spending for the next year. As a senior defense appropriator, Rep. Womack builds on the authorities established in the NDAA to allocate funding to the Department of War (DOW). Rep. Womack has worked closely with Chairman Rogers to secure language to strengthen Arkansas defense equities in the annual NDAA. Read more HERE.

Visit Highlights

During a working lunch at the University of Arkansas, Rep. Womack and Chairman Rogers discussed strategies for safely and efficiently transporting troops and the resources they depend on in contested environments—the central focus of the Sam M. Walton College of Business’ upcoming Contested Logistics Consortium. This event will leverage Northwest Arkansas’s supply chain expertise to help address the complex logistics challenges facing our military. 

Rep. Womack and Chairman Rogers toured the Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research and Education Center (CEREC) laboratories where students and researchers are developing rapid-setting cement and other innovative solutions to help our military deploy resources and infrastructure quickly and safely.

At the Multi-User Silicon Carbide (MUSiC) Research and Fabrication Laboratory, Rep. Womack and Chairman Rogers saw firsthand how students and researchers are testing the next generation of Silicon Carbide (SiC) electronics to ensure our military always has the technological edge.

Rep. Womack and Chairman Rogers participated in a fireside chat moderated by Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce CEO Randy Zook at the 2026 Mid-America Aerospace and Defense Summit. During their discussion, Rep. Womack highlighted the importance of revitalizing the defense industrial base and maximizing defense spending.

At Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Rep. Womack and Chairman Rogers engaged with commanders of the Arkansas National Guard and 188th Wing—including BG Chad Bridges, CMSgt Scott Manamon, Col. Daniel Wynn, Col. Jonathan Esparza, and CMSgt Jeffrey Weaver—who showcased how the 188th Wing’s current Remote Piloted Aircraft activities and the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) F-35 mission are strengthening military readiness and global alliances.

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

###