Womack, Steve RSS Articles

From the Front: September 25, 2026

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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Womack Presents Purple Heart Medal to Retired Army Staff Sergeant George F. O’Dell

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

BELLA VISTA, Arkansas—September 24, 2026…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) presented the Purple Heart Medal to Retired Army Staff Sergeant George F. O’Dell who was seriously injured while deployed to Iraq in 2009.

The Purple Heart Medal is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to servicemembers who are killed or wounded by enemy action. For unknown reasons, no award was made to SSG(R) O’Dell in the years after his injury. In 2026, Congressman Womack advocated to the U.S. Army on behalf of SSG(R) O’Dell for him to receive the Purple Heart Medal.

Congressman Womack said, “Staff Sergeant O’Dell answered the call to serve his country, and because of his selfless service and personal courage, he suffered serious bodily harm. For too long, the record did not reflect that measure of devotion and sacrifice. Yet, despite the hardship and frustration that followed, Staff Sergeant O’Dell never lost sight of his commitment to his country or his fellow veterans. No medal can erase the pain of an injury, and no ceremony can fully alleviate the burden carried by those who have seen combat or who have returned home changed by war. But recognition matters, and today, I am exceedingly proud to honor Staff Sergeant O’Dell and to present him with the Purple Heart Medal on behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation.”

Details:

Retired Army Staff Sergeant George F. O’Dell was born on January 8, 1966, in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating high school in 1984, he relocated to south Florida and enlisted in the United States Army in 1991.

SSG(R) O’Dell attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he became a 19D Cavalry Scout. In 1994, he reclassified at Fort McClellan, Alabama, where he became a 95B Military Police Officer. Assigned to the 978 Military Police Company, Fort Bliss, Texas, he deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in support of Operation Vigilant Warrior.

After transitioning from active service into the United States Army Reserve in 1995, he reentered active service in 1997, attending training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he became a 91B Combat Medic.

In 2008, while assigned to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas, SSG(R) O’Dell was attached to the 10th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Carson, and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF 08-10).

While deployed, he served as the Critical Care Noncommissioned Officer-In-Charge. On July 8, 2009, while providing security and overwatch during an Iraqi patient ambulance exchange for transfer to an Iraqi hospital, SSG(R) O’Dell sustained significant injuries when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated approximately 100 meters from his position.

In 2013, SSG(R) O’Dell was medically discharged from the Army.

SSG(R) O’Dell and his wife Nancy are current residents of Pea Ridge. SSG(R) O’Dellis an active volunteer with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, a life member of Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 8109 Pea Ridge), as well as a member of American Legion Post 341 in Bella Vista.

Congressman Steve Womack would like to extend special recognition and thanks to Sheep Dog Impact Assistance for their support and stewardship of the Veterans Wall of Honor.

Photo Highlights:

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: September 18, 2026

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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Womack Supports Sanctioning Russia’s War Machine and Businesses Supporting Iran’s Terror Regime

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—September 16, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today issued the statement below regarding his support for the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation leverages expanded sanctions, trade measures, and financial restrictions to combat the economic backing of Russian aggression, in addition to extending the expiring Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) of 1996 through 2031.

Due to a family member’s serious medical issue, Congressman Womack was unable to be in D.C. to vote in support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5334. His intended YES vote has been entered into the Congressional Record.

Congressman Womack said, “Had I been in D.C. today, I would have voted in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 because Russia’s war machine is only as strong as its weakest link: its economic overdependence on energy exports. Today’s bill targets this vulnerability and others—hitting Moscow where it hurts. Combating Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine continues to be vital in protecting not only our national security but freedom around the globe.”

Congressman Womack continued, “Similarly, the legislation extends our longtime sanctions against foreign companies that fuel the Islamic regime in Iran, including their nuclear ambitions and state-sponsored terror. Together, these provisions tell the rest of the world that the United States will not tolerate those who enrich our adversaries and threaten global stability.”

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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Chairman Womack Questions FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford at Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Hearing

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—September 15, 2026…Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) led a public hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2027 budget request with Administrator Bryan Bedford serving as witness.

Chairman Womack delivered the following remarks during the hearing “Our eye is on a common goal that benefits not just the traveling public, but the economy as a whole. If we all row in the same direction, we will build a truly modern, efficient, world-class system. […] I am pleased that our FY27 bill continues to provide the FAA with resources to modernize the system. The facilities and equipment funding in our bill, coupled with the reconciliation dollars, is giving the agency a strong downpayment to make our aviation system the gold standard of the world. […] This is a big undertaking, but I am confident that with good faith and hard work on both sides, we will get this right for the American people.”

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (OK-4) delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “Whether at the gate, on the flight deck, in the skies above, or just landed—your mission is clear: safety, security, and efficiency. Congress is here to reinforce those key pillars and provide the investment and oversight necessary to ensure the FAA has the resources, workforce, and capabilities to carry them out. When we discuss safeguarding our national airspace, supporting U.S. aviation manufacturing, overseeing drones, and advancing emerging technologies, I am proud to say this subcommittee does more than just talk about these priorities. We fund them. We oversee them. And we work to ensure America continues to lead the world in aviation.”

Chairman Womack’s full remarks as prepared are available HERE.

A video of Chairman Womack’s opening remarks is available HERE.

A video of Chairman Womack’s questions for Administrator Bedford can be found HERE.

A full recording of the hearing 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: September 11, 2026

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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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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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.