Womack, Steve RSS Articles

From the Front: July 24, 2026

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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Womack on Appropriations Hearing: Americans Deserve a Functioning Government

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 22, 2026…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), a senior appropriator and Chairman of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee, stressed the need for policy reform to prevent future government funding lapses during a full committee hearing.

The hearing witnesses were Senator James Lankford (OK), Representative Tom McClintock (CA-5), as well as former Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and current New York University School of Law Distinguished Scholar Shalanda Young.

Congressman Womack said, “Government shutdowns reflect a complete failure of Congress to do our primary job: fund the government according to the needs and wants of the American people. Accepting these failures as the status quo is impermissible, and I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Tom Cole to examine the stumbling blocks that contribute to our system’s breakdown and potential solutions. Americans deserve a functioning government, and today’s hearing represents our commitment to delivering this and reliable access to the essential services it provides.”

During the hearing, Congressman Womack asked Young to outline the benefits of moving Congress to a biennial budget framework—a key pillar of his newly introduced bill, the Budgeting for a Better America Act. Her response: "You were in my opening remarks as one of the proposals. I've always thought that was just commonsense."

Read more about the Budgeting for a Better America Act HERE.

A video of Congressman Womack’s questions for the witnesses 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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Womack Votes for Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 22, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of H.R. 8800, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congressman Womack said, “Peace through Strength requires us to address supply chain vulnerabilities, strengthen competition and innovation across the defense industry, and provide manufacturers with the certainty needed to replenish our arsenal. The Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act is instrumental in advancing these goals by implementing critical reforms to enable our defense industrial base to produce at speed and scale. I look forward to building on the authorities established in this bill through the defense appropriations process to ensure our warfighters are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow and the decades ahead.”

Bill highlights:

Strengthens Arkansas defense equities by:

Including Congressman Womack’s amendment to direct the Department of War (DoW) to conduct and publish an analysis evaluating the full life-cycle costs of F-35 basing options for aircraft delivered between FY30-FY35.
Authorizing the Secretary of the Army to conduct a no-cost land exchange between the Arkansas National Guard (ARNG) and the U.S. Army Reserve to provide the ARNG with a new Joint Force Headquarters building.
Extending a 2024 project authorization for a 3-bay maintenance hangar at Ebbing Air National Guard Base to support the force beddown of F-35 aircraft.

Strengthens readiness and efficiency by:

Increasing end-strength across the DoW to support national security priorities, homeland security, and disaster response.
Authorizing multi-year procurement authority for certain munitions, the F-35 aircraft, and F-15EX aircraft, and constrains the retirement of legacy aircraft like the E-3 and MQ-9 before replacements are ready.
Authorizing the establishment of Joint Task Force Audit to support achieving an unmodified financial statement audit opinion by 2028.

Revitalizes the defense industrial base by:

Providing the capital needed to expand and accelerate production by providing multiyear procurement authority for critical systems, munitions, and components, including those for F-35 Aircraft and spares.
Investing in research, development, testing, and evaluation of innovative technologies, including autonomous capabilities, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and advanced materials.

Improves servicemember quality of life by:

Authorizing appropriators to increase servicemember pay by 5 to 7 percent.
Authorizing over $1.8 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing.
Expanding eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA), an initiative closely related to Congressman Womack’s BNA Fairness Act of 2025.
Improving DoW school assistance, increasing access to childcare, and authorizing programs to recruit and train military spouses to teach in DoW schools.
Expanding access to healthcare by developing further dental and women’s health care at Military Treatment Facilities.

A summary of the bill 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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Womack Votes to Prevent Insider Trading and Election Fraud

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 22, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act. This legislation aims to prevent Members of Congress from using their positions and nonpublic information to benefit financially from purchases or sales made on the U.S. stock market. The legislation also includes measures to strengthen voter ID laws nationwide.

Congressman Womack said, “Our government is built on a foundation of mutual trust. Americans should be able to trust that their elected officials in Congress have their constituents’ best interests at heart—not their own bank accounts. Likewise, citizens should be able to trust that their government conducts free and fair elections. The Stop Insider Trading Act strengthens that trust with guardrails that improve transparency, accountability, and integrity in government.”

Bill highlights:

Prevents insider trading in Congress by:

Requiring Members of Congress, as well as their spouses and dependents to report the sale of a stock between 7-14 days prior to the sale.

Protects election integrity by:

Requiring a potential voter to present a valid photo I.D., such as—but not limited to—a driver’s license, to vote in person.
Requiring a potential voter to submit a copy of a valid photo I.D., such as—but not limited to—a driver’s license, to vote by mail.

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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Womack Votes to Bolster Defense and Election Security

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 22, 2026… Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of H. Con. Res. 113. This budget resolution instructs relevant House committees to provide $95 billion for defense and intelligence capabilities, aid for farmers, and election security.

Congressman Womack said, “Securing our elections and supplying the Department of War with the resources necessary to protect the homeland, counter emerging threats, and win conflicts is a critical undertaking. While the appropriations process is the ideally-suited mechanism to provide funding for federal agencies, the current political landscape in which Congress operates is not ideal. We must pursue all viable paths to provide for our Common Defense and ensure election integrity because not doing so threatens the national security of the United States.”

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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Womack Votes to Prevent Threat of Shutdown, Continue Work on Full-Year Funding Priorities

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 21, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of H.R. 9770, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027. This continuing resolution would fund the federal government at Fiscal Year 2026 levels through December 4, 2026.

Congressman Womack said, “The end of the fiscal year is approaching fast, and while the House has made sizable progress in approving funding bills for the next year, the upper chamber has not. A continuing resolution is not the optimal choice, but it is a practical strategy to avoid a costly funding lapse. I look forward to continuing the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process while simultaneously preventing the American public from experiencing yet another government shutdown and the negative, reverberating consequences that come with it.”

Congressman Womack’s floor remarks are 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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Womack Tours Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Site

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE, MD— July 20, 2026… Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) toured the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild site in Baltimore, Maryland, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Senators Shelley Moore Capito (WV) and Angela Alsobrooks (MD), as well as Representatives Steny Hoyer (MD-5), Johnny Olszewski (MD-2), Glenn Ivey (MD-4), and Kweisi Mfume (MD-7).

Chairman Womack said, “Proper oversight of the American taxpayer dollars being used to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a responsibility I do not take lightly. This bridge is a vital artery for the movement of people and goods, and its success unlocks the full potential of commerce along our Eastern seaboard. As Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, I am committed to working with President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore to ensure this project receives the necessary resources for a safe and efficient rebuild that will prevent a future catastrophe.”

Governor Moore said, “The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic engine and our commitment to rebuilding it is crucial to the continued prosperity of our nation. Together with our federal and regional partners, we will rebuild this bridge as quickly, safely, and cost efficiently as possible to ensure that this vital corridor bounces back stronger for generations to come.”

Background:

On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed after a container ship lost power and struck one of the bridge’s supporting piers. The incident disrupted a major freight corridor and access to the Port of Baltimore—one of the nation's largest ports for automobiles, farm equipment, and construction machinery.

As THUD Chairman, Congressman Womack plays a key role in providing funding for the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) Program. This account provides federal funding for the repair or reconstruction of highways and roads damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic failures. The rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which carries the I-695 Baltimore Beltway, is one of the projects that receives funding through the ER Program.

During the tour, Chairman Womack observed the site's transition from critical demolition clean-up to early construction work, including the installation of vessel protection piles—with piling materials supplied by AFCO Steel of Arkansas. These piles are a key structural element designed to protect the new bridge's piers from future vessel strikes.

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: July 17, 2026

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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Womack Votes for Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Bill to Protect America’s Interests Abroad

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 15, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

This bill allocates $47.32 billion in discretionary spending to fund the Department of State and related agencies.

Congressman Womack said, “Our national security is strongest when we invest wisely, and thanks to the leadership of my friend, Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, this bill does exactly that. It strategically supports our allies while ensuring American taxpayer dollars do not benefit our foreign adversaries. I am encouraged that House leadership recognizes the importance of advancing this measure swiftly—not only to protect our national interests abroad, but also to restore regular order to the appropriations process.”

Bill highlights:

Bolsters United States national security and protects American interests abroad by:

Providing unwavering support for Israel by including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.
Providing robust assistance for key United States partners Egypt and Jordan.
Including $500 million in Foreign Military Financing Program funding for Taiwan and $200 million for the Philippines.
Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.
Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific and to counter the PRC’s malign influence.
Denying the Chinese Communist Party access to U.S.-backed resources.
Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates.
Prohibiting funds to the Taliban.
Prohibiting funds for organizations who may have hired terrorists that took part in the October 7th, 2023, mass atrocities–including the murder of 50 Americans since the initial attack–but refuse to cooperate with United States Inspector General investigations.
Supporting religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid.
Holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence.
Confronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that exploit Cuban doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in such practices.

A summary of the bill 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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Womack Cosponsored Bill to Protect 2nd Amendment Privacy Passes House

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 14, 2026…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in support of H.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act. He is an original cosponsor of the bill, which prohibits credit card companies and other entities from implementing Merchant Category Codes that distinguish a firearms retailer from general merchandise or sporting goods retailers.

Congressman Womack said, “The right to bear arms is a fundamental freedom for every law-abiding American. The use of Merchant Category Codes to unconstitutionally track firearm purchases remains a radical, left-wing endeavor by anti-Second Amendment activists. I am proud to build on the work of Arkansas Governor Sanders at the federal level to protect the financial privacy and Second Amendment rights of all Americans.”

Background:

Credit card companies and other financial institutions use Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) to organize businesses by the types of goods or services purchased. These MCCS are set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
In 2022, the ISO created a new code specifically for gun retailers. This policy has raised concerns that specific firearm MCCs can be used to track law-abiding Americans exercising their constitutional rights.
Since the creation of this code, states like California and New York have mandated the use of MCCs for firearm retailers while several other states have banned the use, including Arkansas.

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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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.