Womack, Steve RSS Articles

From the Front: September 4, 2026

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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Womack Votes to Fund Government, Prevent End of Fiscal Year Shutdown

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—September 1, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Senate Amendments to H.R. 6500–The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027. This continuing resolution funds the federal government through December 11, 2026.

Congressman Womack said, “While Congress should always prioritize passing full-year appropriations before the fiscal year ends, another government shutdown would be far worse for the American people. But let’s be clear about what happens next: We cannot allow this additional time to pass only to end up in the same situation. Congress must make progress towards funding agreements that can be approved by both chambers and signed into law, providing American taxpayers a functioning government.”

The bill text 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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From the Front: August 28, 2026

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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Womack Hosts House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers in Arkansas’s Third District

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

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From the Front: August 21, 2026

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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What They Are Saying: Leaders Stress Need for Womack’s Budgeting for a Better America Act as National Debt Hits $40 Trillion

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—August 19, 2026…Representatives Steve Womack (AR-3), Ed Case (HI-1), Bill Huizenga (MI-4), and Scott Peters (CA-50) recently introduced the Budgeting for a Better America Act. This bill would require Congress to adopt a biennial budget framework, establish a bipartisan fiscal commission, and implement other good governance reforms.

The time for reform is now as the national debt surpassed $40 trillion this week.

In response to this grim milestone, Congressman Womack said, “This is yet another sobering realization for lawmakers that we can no longer delay addressing the fiscal state of our nation. Our record level of debt threatens our national security, strains our vital safety net programs, and creates a cascade of negative consequences for Americans from Main Street to Wall Street. Congress must come together expeditiously to pursue bipartisan solutions that responsibly rein in runaway spending before it is too late–the future prosperity of our nation depends on it.”

In 2018 as House Budget Committee Chairman, Congressman Womack led the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform tasked with addressing Congress’ broken budget process. Building on the Committee’s recommendations, the Budgeting for a Better America Act incorporates additional reforms to improve transparency and develop policies to address the long-term debt.

Here’s what leading experts across the country are saying:

Maya MacGuineas, President of Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said, “Representatives Womack, Case, Huizenga, and Peters, along with other supporters, deserve real credit for putting forward a serious bipartisan bill to help Congress budget more responsibly. It is especially encouraging to see leaders in the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum continue advancing constructive, bipartisan ideas to improve the budget process and confront our fiscal challenges. Getting back to a responsible budget will not be easy, and tough choices still lie ahead, but improving the budget process and creating a credible commission are important steps in the right direction.”

Leon Panetta, former Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and former Chairman of the House Budget Committee, said, “In our democracy, we govern either by leadership or by crisis. For too long, Washington has governed by crisis, delaying the hard fiscal decisions until the last minute while our debt climbs to record levels and the current budget process has stopped working. This is not sustainable and threatens the future of our economy, our national security, and the promise that our children can have a better, more prosperous life. I commend Representatives Womack, Peters, Huizenga, and Case for their courage to lead. Their Budgeting for a Better America Act would create a bipartisan path to stabilize the debt, improve our budget process, and empower Congress with the tools and foresight needed to confront our long-term challenges before they become a crisis.”

Rob Portman, former Director of OMB and former senator from Ohio, said, “As a former Director of OMB and a former member of the House and Senate Budget Committees, I know firsthand the difficulties Congress faces in getting our fiscal house in order. It is clear we need creative solutions addressing the shortfalls in our current budget and appropriations process, and this legislation provides that path forward. The Budgeting for a Better America Act is an all of the above approach. It addresses the delays that plague our current budgeting process, asks more of our budget resolutions to ensure Congress has the full fiscal picture, and shines light on the nation's long-term fiscal outlook—making members accountable for our untenable fiscal state. I thank Representatives Womack, Case, Huizenga, and Peters for their work on this legislation.”

John Yarmuth, former Chairman of the House Budget Committee, said, “I strongly support the Budgeting for a Better America Act by Representatives Womack, Peters, Huizenga, and Case. Congressman Womack and I worked together on this legislation in the 117th Congress in order to promote a more thoughtful and farsighted perspective on our national finances. Annual budgeting has failed to be a sensible and effective process, and it is time to try a new approach.”

Asa Hutchinson, former Governor of Arkansas and former member of Congress, said, “The challenge of deficit federal spending has been neglected for over 25 years. Our budget was last balanced at the turn of the century when our country was debating the threat of Y2K. The deficit crisis is a fixable problem, and the Budgeting for a Better America Act is a bold bipartisan strategy that will work. The legislation gives Congress a biennium budget, specific deficit reduction targets, and a Fiscal Commission to provide longer term solutions to our debt crisis. I fully support Representatives Womack, Peters, Huizenga, and Case for their work and thank them for their courage to lead this effort.”

Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action, said, “Congress needs a budget process that clearly presents the nation’s fiscal challenges and adequately focuses on long-term planning. The Budgeting for a Better America Act advances practical reforms to strengthen fiscal transparency, improve budget planning, and create a bipartisan process for addressing the nation’s growing debt. BPC Action supports this thoughtful bill by Representatives Womack, Case, Huizenga, and Peters.”

Matthew Dickerson, President of Baseline Policy, said, “The 50-year-old federal budget process is outdated and clearly broken. Our national debt is growing unsustainably and putting America’s prosperity at risk. The Budgeting for a Better America Act, led by Representatives Steve Womack, Scott Peters, Ed Case, and Bill Huizenga, is important bipartisan legislation that would help bring transparency to the budget process and a much-needed focus on addressing today’s fiscal challenges.”

Kent Conrad, former Senate Budget Committee Chairman, said, “A well-functioning budget process is necessary for a functioning federal government. However, the current federal budget process is little more than a charade, and America is denied the opportunity to have a fiscal blueprint for the country. I know these problems firsthand from my years as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, and I know they can be fixed. I commend Representatives Womack, Peters, Huizenga, and Case for proposing their bipartisan Budgeting for a Better America Act. It advances practical reforms, such as a move to biennial budgeting, and would establish a bipartisan fiscal commission to stabilize the debt. These reforms will not solve every fiscal challenge we face, but they give Congress the tools to finally address them.”

Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and President of American Action Forum, said, “Three truths are unavoidable. First, the U.S. has a dangerous federal debt problem. Second, the current budget process has failed to prevent the emergence of this threat. Third, it is hard to imagine dramatically improving the outlook without wholesale changes to the budget process. The bipartisan Budgeting for a Better America Act is a valuable set of tools— biennial budgeting, fiscal targets, a commission of experts—to address this great challenge. Congress should waste no time in reforming the budget process and getting to work on reducing the danger posed by the federal debt."

Dr. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Executive Director of Concord Action, said, “The Budgeting for a Better America Act is a serious, bipartisan step toward restoring fiscal responsibility. Key provisions include moving to a biennial budget and establishing a credible fiscal commission focused on reducing the deficit to 3 percent of GDP. Concord Action supports this effort to bring greater transparency, accountability, and long‑range planning back into the federal budget process.”

Allan B. Hubbard, former Director of the National Economic Council, said, “I commend Congressman Steve Womack for tackling our budget deficit through the Budgeting for a Better America Act. Our current budget trajectory is guaranteed to bankrupt our country and diminish the standard of living for all Americans. A responsible Congress and a responsible President would support his effort.”

Ben Ritz, Vice President of Policy Development at the Progressive Policy Institute, said, “It's no secret that the current budget process isn't working for a Congress that refuses to follow it. Instead of carefully deliberating fiscal tradeoffs, today's lawmakers routinely dither past deadlines and pile on debt. The Budgeting for a Better America Act offers one possible vision for reform that is long overdue.”

Brett Loper, Executive Director of Peterson Solutions Fund, said, “Right now, the United States is adding trillion after trillion to our national debt with seemingly no plan in place for the future. The Budgeting for a Better America Act is common sense, bipartisan legislation that would help fix our broken budget process. In particular, a bipartisan fiscal commission dedicated to reforms that would bring our deficit-to-GDP down to 3 percent would be a meaningful step forward for our fiscal and economic future.”

Tom Kahn, former Staff Director of the House Budget Committee from 1997-2016, said, “Our national debt is on an unsustainable trajectory which is detrimental to the economic future of our country. The time is long overdue for Congress and the President to act. I commend the authors of this measure for their leadership in advancing a serious and credible legislative effort to address the problem.”

Will McBride, Chief Economist at the Tax Foundation, said, “The weaknesses of the budget process have become increasingly apparent over the last 50 years, as the major drivers of federal spending and debt have been left to grow on autopilot. A bipartisan fiscal commission provides an opportunity to break through the impasse and find real solutions that would put the debt on a sustainable course.”

William A. Galston, Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution*, said, “The Budgeting for a Better America Act would move the United States toward a sustainable long-term fiscal course and help renew confidence, at home and abroad, in our ability to govern ourselves.”

Demian Brady, Vice President of Research at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, said, “The Budgeting for a Better America Act clearly addresses the fundamental weakness that have undermined congressional budgeting for decades. While any meaningful fiscal reforms will ultimately depend on congressional action, this legislation provides a framework that encourages earlier and more accountable budget decisions. At a time of trillion-dollar deficits, rising interest costs, and the approaching insolvency of the Medicare and Social Security trust funds, Congress cannot afford to continue budgeting from one deadline to the next. This bipartisan legislation would provide Congress with a more transparent, accountable, and forward-looking framework for confronting the nation’s fiscal challenges.”

*Institutional affiliation for identification purposes only.

A one-pager is available HERE.

A section-by-section bill summary is available HERE.

The bill text 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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From the Front: August 14, 2026

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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From the Front: August 7, 2026

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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Womack Remembers Tommy Ratzlaff, John Brown, and 28 American Servicemembers Who Perished 15 Years Ago in Extortion 17 Shootdown

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

ARKANSAS—August 6, 2026…Fifteen years ago, on August 6, 2011, a U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter with the call sign Extortion 17 was shot down by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. All 38 people on board were killed, including Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Thomas A. Ratzlaff of Green Forest and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Pararescueman John W. Brown of Siloam Springs. The downing of Extortion 17 is the largest single-incident loss of life during the War in Afghanistan.

Remembering the tragedy, Congressman Womack said, “Today, we remember the thirty United States servicemembers aboard Extortion 17 who lost their lives in defense of our nation while aiding fellow troops under fire. I especially honor the two exceptional men from Northwest Arkansas, Thomas A. Ratzlaff and John W. Brown, who gave the last full measure of devotion for our country that day.”

Womack continued, “Ratzlaff was lauded as a skilled Navy SEAL who exhibited excellence in every mission he executed. Brown embodied the courage and precision required to be a warrior-medic in his duties as a pararescueman. These men exemplified service and duty, sacrificing their lives in devotion to something greater than themselves—a sacrifice that speaks to their extraordinary level of character and bravery.”

Womack concluded, “John Brown and Thomas Ratzlaff’s legacy of courage and selfless service endures in the young men and women—many from Northwest Arkansas—who have sworn an oath to defend the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We are forever indebted to the sacrifices made by them and the other 28 fallen American servicemembers aboard Extortion 17, and their families, and we will never forget.”

Background:

On August 5, 2011, American intelligence determined that a senior Taliban leader, Qari Tahir, was operating in Tangi Valley, Wardak province, Afghanistan. A capture or kill order was subsequently given, and that night, a platoon of U.S. Army Rangers were deployed from a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in neighboring Logar province to execute the mission.

After the U.S. Army Rangers infiltration, support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft reported several people leaving the compound where it was believed Tahir was located. The U.S. Army Rangers, focused on finding Tahir, did not engage this small contingent of insurgents.

ISR aircraft began noticing this group of insurgents growing, and intelligence suggested that Tahir may have escaped the compound and joined the group. This prompted American leadership to determine reinforcements were required. Their mission would be to focus on this separate contingent.

Just after midnight, a group of Navy SEALs in reserve were activated to reinforce the U.S. Army Rangers as part of an Immediate Reaction Force (IRF). SOCS Thomas Ratzlaff was one of the U.S. Navy SEALs assigned to this team. In addition, before departing the FOB, a group of non-Navy SEAL reinforcements were added to the IRF. Tech. Sgt. John Brown was a member of this non-Navy SEAL group.

The IRF set off from the FOB with two CH-47D aircraft, call signs “Extortion 16” and “Extortion 17”. Extortion 16 acted as a decoy for the duration of the flight, while Extortion 17 held the entire IRF. Before making its final approach, Extortion 16 broke off and began its return to the FOB.

At approximately 2:38 a.m. local time, Extortion 17 was making its final approach. One minute from the landing zone, the aircraft made its last radio transmission.

The group of separate insurgents, just minutes before, had broken into two separate groups. One group stayed in the trees. The other entered a building in the compound, located about 2 kilometers away from where the U.S. Army Rangers were engaged.

As the aircraft made its approach, a rocket-propelled grenade was launched at the aircraft by a group of insurgents previously unknown and unaffiliated with the splintered insurgents intelligence was tracking. Striking the aft rotor assembly, the aircraft was immediately disabled and crashed within seconds of being struck.

Two hours later, at around 4:15 a.m. local time, the U.S. Army Rangers arrived at the crash site after concluding their mission. No survivors were found.

Qari Tahir was never captured.

Days after the incident, General John Allen, the U.S. Commander in Afghanistan, stated that the militants who had shot down Extortion 17 had been tracked down and killed in a NATO airstrike.

On September 21, over a month later, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) reported that Qari Tahir and an associate were located in a dry riverbed in Sayd Abad district. A precision airstrike was conducted, targeting Tahir.

On September 22, it was widely reported that Tahir was killed in the strike.

The Extortion 17 incident represents the largest single-incident loss of lives during the War in Afghanistan.

Photos:

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Pararescueman John W. Brown

Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Thomas A. Ratzlaff

Tommy Ratzlaff Ave. in Green Forest

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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From the Front: July 31, 2026

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Click here to read this edition. Read more.

Crawford County Mobile Office

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:00:00 GMT

In the Third District, I have offices located in Rogers and Fort Smith. But I understand that many constituents aren't able – or don’t have the time – to travel to the nearest office.

That’s why I am sending my office to YOU!

Come to my Mobile Office and allow my staff to assist you in your own town.

Mulberry Mobile Office Stop

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

11:00AM – 1:00PM CT

Mulberry Public Library | 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, AR 72947

Questions? Call my Fort Smith office for more information at (479)-424-1146.

Madison County Mobile Office

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:00:00 GMT

St. Paul Mobile Office Stop

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

11:00AM – 1:00PM CT

St. Paul City Hall | 439 Madison Ave., St. Paul, AR 72760

Questions? Call my Fort Smith office for more information at (479)-424-1146.

Hector Mobile Office Stop

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 15:00:00 GMT

In the Third District, I have offices located in Rogers, Fort Smith, and Harrison. But I understand that many constituents aren't able – or don’t have the time – to travel to the nearest office.

That’s why I am sending my office to YOU!

Come to my Mobile Office and allow my staff to assist you in your own town.

Hector Mobile Office Stop
Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 11:00AM – 1:00PM CT
Hector City Hall
11356 AR-27
Hector, AR 72843

Questions? Call my Fort Smith office for more information at (479)-424-1146.

Diamond City Mobile Office Stop

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Diamond City Mobile Office Stop
Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 10:00AM – 12:00PM CT
Diamond City Hall
232 Grand Avenue
Diamond City, AR 72644

Questions? Call my Harrison office for more information at (870)-741-6900.

Hackett Mobile Office Stop

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Hackett Mobile Office Stop
Thursday, March 10, 2022, from 11:00AM – 1:00PM CT
Hackett City Municipal Building
102 N Main Street
Hackett, AR 72937

Questions? Call my Fort Smith office for more information at (479) 424-1146.

Johnson Mobile Office Stop

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 18:00:00 GMT

Johnson Mobile Office Stop
Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 1:00PM – 3:00PM CT
Johnson City Hall
2904 Main Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Questions? Call my Rogers office for more information at (479) 464-0446.

Atkins Mobile Office Stop

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Atkins Mobile Office Stop
Tuesday, February 8, 2022, from 11:00AM – 1:00PM CT
Atkins City Hall
310 NE 1st Street
Atkins, AR 72823

Questions? Call my Fort Smith office for more information at (479) 424-1146.

Yellville Mobile Office Stop

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Yellville Mobile Office Stop
Tuesday, January 25, 2022, from 10:00AM – 12:00PM CT
Yellville City Hall
112 US-62
Yellville, AR 72687

Questions? Call my Harrison office for more information at (870) 741-6900.

Barling Mobile Office Stop

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Barling Mobile Office Stop
Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 11:00AM – 1:00PM CT
Barling City Hall
307 Fort Street
Barling, AR 72923

Questions? Call my Fort Smith office for more information at (479) 424-1146.

Gentry Mobile Office Stop

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Gentry Mobile Office Stop
Thursday, November 4, 2021, from 1:00PM – 3:00PM CT
Gentry Chamber of Commerce
212 E. Main Street
Gentry, AR 72734

Questions? Call my Rogers office for more information at (479) 464-0446.