Womack, Steve RSS Articles

Womack: The National Guard is indispensable to the force of the future

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—October 16, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) authored an op-ed this week published in The Washington Times underscoring why the National Guard is indispensable to the force of the future and must be treated as such by Congress and the Department of War.

Congressman Womack spent thirty years serving in the Arkansas Army National Guard and is currently a senior member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. His commentary outlines how the National Guard is a combat-tested force critical to serving our country at home and abroad yet is consistently required to carry out active component responsibilities with second-hand equipment, disproportional funding, and shrinking formations. Congressman Womack prescribes resourcing the Guard to modernize and remain prepared for the outsized role it plays in the joint force—an initiative he has continued to champion on the Defense Subcommittee.

Read Congressman Womack’s full op-ed below or HERE.

For 250 years, America has maintained a force to defend the homeland and deter aggression from overseas. Of all our storied services and capable components, only one force can, and has, shouldered that dual burden: the National Guard.

I know that force. Before my time in Congress, I served in the Arkansas National Guard and retired as a colonel after 30 years. However, the National Guard’s roots have created a paradigm in which it is often treated as “second-class.”

The National Defense Act of 1920 established the three components of the United States Army: the Regular Army, the National Guard, and the “Organized” Reserves. It characterized the National Guard as the “primary combat reserve” of the Regular Army.

The National Guard is more than a strategic reserve; it is an operational, combat-tested force that America relies on every day. And the numbers prove it.

In 2025 alone, more than 15,000 National Guard members deployed overseas in support of a broad range of missions. Roughly 13,000 National Guard members were on duty protecting the homeland from natural disasters, conducting security operations, and assisting civilian authorities. And through the State Partnership Program, the National Guard expanded relationships with 116 partner nations worldwide.

This already impressive track record is even more remarkable given their operating budget.

The Army National Guard composes 34.4% of the total Army end-strength but is asked to operate with only 15% of the operations and maintenance funding. The Air National Guard is no different: It makes up 21.9% of the total Air Force end strength, but has only 11% of the operations and maintenance funding.

When hurricanes, floods, fires, and cyberattacks threaten our local communities, the National Guard responds. When combatant commanders in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East require trained formations, the National Guard is already in the rotation. And when the nation requires a show of strength, as it did recently with the conflict in Iran, the National Guard answers the call.

Yet, our budgeting and force-structure decisions require the National Guard to carry out active component responsibilities with second-hand equipment, disproportional funding, and shrinking formations.

We call this a “red star cluster” in the Army: a warning signal that needs to be addressed. In Congress, we call this a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously. History shows both the cost of neglecting readiness and the strategic value of investing in the National Guard.

In January 1941, the Arkansas National Guard’s 206th Coast Artillery Regiment was mobilized, trained and sent to defend Dutch Harbor in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. On June 3, 1942, the Japanese Navy launched two aircraft carrier raids in the first ever aerial attack by an enemy on North American soil. Although surprised and outmatched technologically, these brave Arkansans beat back the Japanese in the opening battle of the Aleutian Islands campaign. The Battle of Dutch Harbor demonstrated what the National Guard can accomplish when the nation mobilizes and trains prior to combat.

But the regiment’s outdated weapons also illustrate the unnecessary risks created when National Guard formations are given yesterday’s equipment for tomorrow’s fight. Eight years later, Task Force Smith provided the opposite lesson on the Korean Peninsula — courage cannot compensate for an understrength, ill-equipped force.

“No more Task Force Smiths” is now a mantra that is invoked to caution against unpreparedness and is a warning against confusing capacity with capability.

That is why Congress must learn from both Dutch Harbor and Task Force Smith and invest in readiness over ambition. It is our obligation to modernize without hollowing out the force that must be prepared to defend at home and fight abroad.

The lesson is simple: when the National Guard is prepared in advance, it is the tip of spear; but when our nation waits until the crisis arrives, brave Americans pay the price.

For the National Guard, this means concurrent and proportional fielding. National Guard formations assigned the same missions and deployment timelines as the Regular Army, while also remaining responsible for defense of the homeland, require more funding and comparable equipment — not less.

Peace through Strength begins with forces that are ready. We should build the Regular Army to meet the challenges of tomorrow, but not at the expense of today’s capable and ready National Guard.

The National Guard is not the force of last resort. It is not the billpayer for the Regular Army. The National Guard is indispensable to the force of the future. It is time we funded, equipped, and employed it that way.

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: October 16, 2026

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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Womack’s Truck Parking Funding Put to Use in Arkansas’s Third District and Across Nation

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

ARKANSAS — October 14, 2026… Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) announced that the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is set to receive a $23 million grant to design and construct truck parking infrastructure in Crawford County along the future segment of I-49. The grant is part of the Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects (INFRA) program.

Chairman Womack’s THUD appropriations bill funds the Department of Transportation, including the INFRA program. In his Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and 2027 THUD appropriations bills, Chairman Womack allocated $200 million to address the national truck parking shortage. The I-49 truck parking project is one of fourteen projects across 12 states awarded INFRA program Track 2 funding to build safe and accessible commercial truck parking infrastructure.

Chairman Womack said, “Truckers are the cornerstone of our interstate commerce. We depend on these hardworking men and women to transport goods and fuel across our country, keeping store shelves stocked and gas tanks filled. A lack of adequate truck parking nationwide puts a strain on drivers, creates safety risks for the traveling public, and jeopardizes our supply chain. This is why I prioritized funding to build truck parking infrastructure in my transportation appropriations bill for two consecutive years. Our truck drivers should not have to worry about finding a safe place to park, no matter where they are. I’m proud that future truckers traveling along I-49 in Crawford County will have that peace of mind, building on the generational benefits that this new interstate segment brings to the River Valley.”

ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said, “Congressman Womack’s leadership in transportation funding has benefited the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the citizens of the Natural State for many years. His efforts at the national level have ensured that $200 million in vital funding is dedicated to much-needed truck parking infrastructure across the country in both fiscal years 2026 and 2027. With Womack’s support, Arkansas was able to secure a $23 million INFRA grant that will pave the way for a new rest area and truck parking facility along future Interstate 49 in Crawford County between the Gun Club Road and Clear Creek Road interchanges. This grant award will help bolster efforts by a wide array of transportation professionals who understand the value of safe and predictable parking for those who keep our economy moving.”

Background: ARDOT will receive $23,024,000 to complete the final design and construction of a new safety rest area and truck parking facility along future I-49 in Crawford County, Arkansas, between the Gun Club Road and Clear Creek Road interchanges. The facility will feature dedicated parking infrastructure accommodating approximately 137 trucks and approximately 49 passenger vehicles. Additionally, the project includes construction of northbound and southbound access ramps, internal one-way circulation roadways, stormwater detention ponds, site utilities, and lighting.

Chairman Womack has secured $21 million in Community Project Funding for the construction of the 14-mile Alma to Barling segment of I-49, including $18 million in FY 2022 and $3 million in FY 2026. With Chairman Womack’s support, ARDOT received a $25 million USDOT RAISE grant in 2024 for the project.

See the full list of awards 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: October 9, 2026

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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Womack Hosts Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in Arkansas’s Third District

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

ARKANSAS—October 5, 2026…Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to Arkansas’s Third Congressional District. During the visit, Chairman Womack highlighted to Secretary Duffy how federal investments are helping the region respond to rapid growth by supporting the construction of critical transportation infrastructure.

Chairman Womack said, “Strong transportation infrastructure keeps our communities moving and our economy growing. From getting people to work and school, to connecting or communities by air, to moving freight and goods, we need infrastructure that can keep pace with our current and future demand—both regionally and nationally. The federal government is an important partner in making that happen. I’m glad Secretary Duffy is here in Arkansas’s Third District to see firsthand how federal investment is helping to move forward critical infrastructure projects that will not only contribute to our region’s continued prosperity but to that of the nation.”

Secretary Duffy said, “Arkansas is fortunate to have a Representative like Steve Womack in Washington advocating on their behalf to get big, beautiful infrastructure projects like I-49 and the XNA expansion done. His role as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee has helped secure crucial dollars for AR-3. During the President’s second term, USDOT has awarded over $71 million to Arkansas’s Third District. Representative Womack played a crucial role in delivering those dollars to the Natural State.”

Chairman Womack’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 THUD appropriations bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $28.29 billion to the Department of Transportation (USDOT), which is $1.177 billion above the FY 2026 enacted level. The bill invests in modernizing our national airspace system and strengthening infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railways, and maritime facilities across the country.

Read more bill highlights HERE.

Visit Highlights

Chairman Womack and Secretary Duffy started the day by viewing the ongoing construction of Phase 1 of the 14‑mile Alma‑to‑Barling segment of I‑49. This phase includes the Arkansas River Bridge Crossing—the project’s most critical component. Once completed, this section of I-49 will deliver much‑needed congestion relief for Fort Smith and Van Buren and will spur economic development along the connector, attracting businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening regional commerce.

On a national level, the completed project will also mark significant progress toward closing the 155‑mile I‑49 gap between Alma and Texarkana. Closing this gap will create a continuous north–south interstate connection from Canada to Louisiana, supporting supply‑chain efficiency and reliability.

Chairman Womack has secured $21 million for the project’s construction through the appropriations process, including $18 million in FY 2022 and $3 million in FY 2026. With Chairman Womack’s support, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) received a $25 million USDOT RAISE grant in 2024 for the project.

Chairman Womack and Secretary Duffy then visited the location of the planned River Valley Slackwater Harbor Project, which, once complete, will expand the port’s capacity and accommodate larger barges carrying more freight. This increased capacity will improve multimodal freight movement in the region, positioning the River Valley for long-term economic growth.

With Chairman Womack’s support, the Western Arkansas Intermodal Authority received a $15.1 million USDOT Maritime Administration (MARAD) grant for the project in 2023.

While there, Chairman Womack and Secretary Duffy also had a chance to see how Five Rivers Distribution moves feed from barge to truck.

At Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), Chairman Womack and Secretary Duffy participated in a working lunch with elected officials, XNA leadership, local trucking and logistics executives, and regional infrastructure stakeholders to discuss Northwest Arkansas’s rapid growth and the regional transportation challenges that the region faces.

Commissioner and Chairman of the Arkansas State Highway Commission Phil Taldo also presented Secretary Duffy with the Arkansas Traveler Certificate—a special recognition given to out-of-state travelers who have contributed to the state.

Afterwards, Chairman Womack and Secretary Duffy toured XNA’s new air traffic control tower and heard from leadership about the airport’s current operations and future plans.

Chairman Womack has secured $17 million for XNA development through the appropriations process, including $4 million for its lobby renovation in FY 2022, $7 million for the XNA Access Road in FY 2023, and $6.41 million for the new air traffic control tower in FY 2023. With Chairman Womack’s support, XNA has also received $117.6 million in USDOT grants since 2016.

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: October 2, 2026

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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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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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.