Womack responds to Netanyahu’s Address to Congress

Washington, DC—July 24, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress in the Hall of the U.S. House of Representatives today:

Netanyahu - Wikimedia

Congressman Womack said, “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between our nations, emphasizing America’s responsibility to support our allies in war against our common enemies. He did a great job of giving context to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its importance to the global nature of the axis of evil we face. Our country must stand firmly with Israel in its fight to exist and defeat murderous terrorists who are still holding Americans hostage.”

Congressman Womack has made strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance a priority during his time in Congress. He has continually backed military assistance that supports the safety of Israeli citizens and stability in the region.

Recent actions Congressman Womack has taken to support Israel:

• Voted for the House-passed Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023, which codifies President Trump’s Executive Order that discrimination against Jewish students may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and requires the Department of Education to take into account the 2016 International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism and its contemporary examples as part of its assessment of whether antisemitic discrimination transpired.

• Voted for the House-passed Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, which fully funds the U.S.-Israeli cooperative missile defense programs and holds the United Nations accountable for its blatant bias against our ally Israel by prohibiting any taxpayer dollars from going to the United Nations Commission of Inquiry against Israel and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

• Voted for the House-passed H.R. 6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024.

• Voted for the House-passed H.Res. 771, Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. 

• Voted for the House-passed H. Res. 798, Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

• Voted to support the expansion of the Abraham Accords to encourage nations to normalize relations with Israel and express continued support for bilateral cooperation across economic, security, and civilian issues.

• Voted to condemn the rise of antisemitism and call on elected officials to identify and educate others on the contributions of the Jewish American community.

• Voted to establish a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords at the Department of State to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords.

• Voted for the House-passed FY25 NDAA which reaffirms U.S. support to Israel against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

• Voted for the House-passed FY25 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, which includes $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Israel to defend itself against terrorist attacks and prohibits funding for the International Criminal Court, International Court of Justice, UNRWA, and the United Nations Commission of Inquiry against Israel.

Womack Announces Winner of 2024 Congressional Art Competition

Van Buren, AR—April 24, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced Dylan Gray, a senior at Haas Hall Academy, as the winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for the Third District. Dylan’s artwork, entitled “Jessica,” will now be sent to Washington, D.C. and displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Congressman Womack said, “The closer you look, the more interesting I find Dylan’s piece. I’m impressed by his technical skills and how well the mixed media application was accomplished. I congratulate Dylan on the great achievement of winning the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. Soon his work will hang in the halls leading to the People’s House to be admired by members and thousands of visitors to the nation’s capital. As always, I’m proud of the impressive participation from the Third District, which showcases the talent and creativity of the young people of our special community.”

1st Place Dylan Gray, Haas Hall Academy, “Jessica”, with Congressman Womack

This year’s competition featured 58 pieces of art from several different high schools throughout Arkansas’s Third Congressional District. Entries were reviewed by a panel of local judges, including Victor Gomez (Curatorial Associate, Contemporary Art, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art), Mayor Joe Hurst (City of Van Buren), and Ken Francis (Siloam Springs High School retired art teacher of 23 years).

“Top 5” Finalists:

• 1st Place: Dylan Gray, Haas Hall Academy, “Jessica”

• 2nd Place: Hannah Evans, Arkansas Arts Academy, “Girl with Red Hair”

• 3rd Place: Vivien Scholl, Haas Hall Academy, “Skyfall”

• 4th Place: Annika Timboe, Siloam Springs High School, “Annika Timboe”

• 5th Place: Ayree Maner, Greenwood High School, “A Father’s Love”

Submissions were also considered for the Patriot Award, which honors a piece that celebrates and artfully represents American ideals. This recognition was presented to Leah Drummonds, a junior at Rogers High School, for her “Long Blue Line” artwork. This year’s winner of the People’s Choice Award, which was decided by the public via online vote, went to Anna Hagan, a senior at Har-Ber High School, for “Solstice.”

This is the 14th year Womack has hosted the Congressional Art Competition in the Third District. This nationwide contest is held annually to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the United States and in each congressional district.

ICYMI: Womack, Boozman, Cotton secure funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base

Washington, DC—March 25, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR), Senator John Boozman (R-AR), and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) secured nearly $291 million for Ebbing Air National Guard Base in FY24 Appropriations bills.

Congressman Womack said, “Fort Smith will be the premier location for F-35 FMS training and Singapore's F-16 mission. I'm proud of our work to secure vital investments for Ebbing Air National Guard Base, promoting Arkansas' role in bolstering national security and boosting the region's economy. This ensures the installation receives the necessary funding to build infrastructure and keeps the mission beddown on schedule. I look forward to hearing the 'Sound of Freedom' very soon in the River Valley!”

Senator Boozman said, “I’m proud to work with Congressman Womack and Senator Cotton to secure funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base that will make it the premier pilot training center in the country. This investment will enhance the base infrastructure to deliver on-time training for our partners. I look forward to continuing our work to deliver resources in support of the new mission.”

Senator Cotton said, “I'm pleased that this funding resulted in Ebbing Air National Guard Base receiving over $207 million. Our delegation's efforts ensure that Arkansas will continue to lead the way in securing our national defense.”

The FY24 Defense Appropriations bill was signed into law Saturday, which delivered nearly $208 million for the Foreign Military Sales mission's future pilot training sites and pilot training center.

The FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill was signed into law on March 9, which delivered $83 million for Ebbing Air National Guard Base construction, planning, and design.

Womack supports National Security, secures funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base

Washington, DC—March 22, 2024…Today, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1102, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,which is a package of the remaining six Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations bills, including Congressman Steve Womack’s (AR-3) Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) bill.

Congressman Womack said, “I supported the package today because I refuse to turn my back on strengthening national security, improving border security, and additional funding for Fort Smith’s critical pilot training program—all while avoiding a painful government shutdown. Although the package is far from perfect, I’m proud of the GOP’s work to secure conservative wins. The package enables the Pentagon to focus on its core mission while expanding support for our troops. It increases the number of Border Patrol agents and expands detention capacity to address the border crisis. Committed to our friend Israel, the package provides defense assistance and halts all funding for UNRWA for its proven collusion with Hamas. My FSGG bill rescinds funding for Biden’s army of IRS agents, pulls back billions of unused COVID-era slush funds, and holds Biden’s hyper-regulatory agenda in check. In a two-to-one divided government, we must take the wins where we can. I will not let the perfect get in the way of the good.”

Legislation details:

The package includes the remaining six FY24 appropriations bills: Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Legislative Branch; and State-Foreign Operations.

The Senate must pass the House-approved package for it to be signed into law by President Biden.

Ebbing Air National Guard Base:

The Defense bill includes $207.947 million for the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, AR. This funding is in addition to the $83 million signed into law on March 9.

Conservative wins:

Increases funding to the Department of Defense to modernize our military, funds a pay raise for our troops, and cuts wasteful partisan programs:

• Provides our servicemembers with a historic 5.2% pay raise — the largest in over two decades.

• Includes $1.2 billion to fight against the flow of illicit fentanyl and counternarcotics — $291 million above the President’s budget.

• Prohibits funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology and EcoHealth Alliance in China.

Increases funding for the Department of Homeland Security for border security and enforcement while rejecting a blank check for open borders:

• Increases ICE detention bed capacity to 41,500, an increase of 7,500 above the FY23 level.

• Funds 22,000 Border Patrol Agents — the highest level ever funded and same as authorized in H.R. 2.

• Restores shortfalls in border security technology and funds non-intrusive inspection equipment to counter fentanyl.

Additional policy wins:

• Reaffirms our commitment to Israel by fully funding our annual security commitment of $3.3 billion.

• Prevents the Consumer Product Safety Commission from banning gas stoves.

• Only allows for the American flag and other official flags to fly over U.S. diplomatic facilities.

• Maintains the Hyde Amendment and other pro-life protections.

Significant cuts to spending:

• Cuts 6% of overall foreign aid funds, including enhanced and new conditions on assistance to organizations like the U.N.

• Prohibits funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and U.N. Commission of Inquiry against Israel.

• Rescinds $20.2 billion from President Biden’s IRS expansion.

• Claws back an additional $6 billion in unused COVID funds.

Womack statement on protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act

Washington, DC—March 13, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act:

“I realize there are millions of TikTok users across the country, including our district. I want these users to understand that our goal with this bill is not to ban TikTok. Our goal is to protect users by separating apps from foreign adversaries, which in this case is the Chinese Communist Party. TikTok is accumulating mass amounts of data, gaining influence over its American users, and using it against them. This exposes us all to serious national security threats. We want TikTok to continue to operate, and it will if they choose to separate from the Chinese Communist Party. I’m proud to support this important legislation.”

Womack elected to seventh term as chairman of West Point Board of Visitors

Washington, DC—March 7, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) was just reelected to serve as the Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors (BOV). The United States Military Academy BOV is charged with providing independent advice and recommendations on institutional matters, including morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other issues.

Congressman Womack said, “I’m deeply honored to be elected to serve as Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors for my seventh term. My commitment to these cadets grows stronger each year. It’s always special for me when kids in my district join the Long Gray Line. Developing officers of character, dedicated to Army leadership and producing an effective, ready force continue to be among my highest priorities. I’m grateful for my colleagues and our work to help West Point execute their mission of educating and training Army officers committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country.”

Current and future cadets from the Third District of Arkansas:

Class of 2024

Ashton Bailey; Fort Smith

Garrett Chrisman; Cave Springs

Kayden Eckman; Eureka Springs

Pierce Guthrie; Bentonville

Class of 2025

Tysen Barbour; Fayetteville

Leyton Elmore; Fort Smith

Aidan Looney; Bentonville

Gary Phillips; Van Buren

Luke Rucker; Rogers

Kale Sheets; Fort Smith

Class of 2026

Ellery Doyna; Fayetteville

Luke Monk; Fort Smith

Sydney Rhuda; Bentonville

Joey Sta Romana; Centerton

Luke Welcher; Fayetteville

Class of 2027

Carlee Casteel; Rogers

Josiah McCullough; Lowell

Class of 2028

June Dresel; Fayetteville

Tehya Meers; Fayetteville

Board members received briefings on West Point’s academic, physical, and military priorities. Faculty and cadets led discussions on a range of topics, including developing leaders of character, building diverse and effective teams, modernizing readiness capabilities, strengthening partnerships, and the importance of investments in military readiness.

Womack was first appointed to the BOV in 2012 by Speaker John Boehner and subsequently elected BOV Chairman in 2017. He is currently the only congressional representative from Arkansas to serve on the board.

Womack votes to continue progress on full-year funding; avoid government shutdown

Washington, DC—February 29, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7463, the Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024.

Congressman Womack said, "We've punted our fundamental duty of funding the government five months past the due date. I'm incredibly disappointed—America deserves better. Another CR is regrettably necessary to responsibly avoid a harmful government shutdown and protect hardworking Americans, veterans, and our troops. Important projects in Arkansas' Third, including the FMS mission in Fort Smith, depend on our progress. This move will keep us on track to pass full-year appropriations this month."

The continuing resolution extends FY23 funding for the following appropriations bills through March 8, 2024:

• Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies

• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

• Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

The bill extends FY23 for the remaining eight bills through March 22, 2024

Womack has consistently advocated for solutions to fix the broken budget and appropriations process, which has failed the American people for too long. He co-chaired the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform and introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to modernize and streamline current processes. Some of the reforms he supported would have helped prevent a budget and appropriations deadline crisis like we see today. Additionally, he called for moving to a biennial budget, ensuring realistic deadlines for Congress to complete its budget and appropriations work, and requiring a joint Budget Committee hearing on the Fiscal State of the Nation.

Boozman, Womack Welcome Army Chief of Staff to Fort Chaffee

Fort Smith, AR – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-03) welcomed Gen. Randy George, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, to Arkansas to highlight the training capabilities and capacity found at Fort Chaffee that significantly enhance the Army’s mission readiness.

“Arkansas has always been a proud supporter of our military. We know the critical role Fort Chaffee plays in our nation’s defense and we’re continuing to ensure it is one of the best places in the country for servicemembers to train. I’m pleased General George understands the need to maintain such a valuable asset and appreciated the opportunity to see its unique strengths on full display,” Boozman said. 

“Fort Chaffee is a top-tier training location with many unique capabilities that distinguish it as a premier Guard installation. It was an honor to show what Fort Chaffee has to offer to General George, who personally understands the important role Arkansas’s Third plays in our national security and strengthening our military forces,” Womack said.

“The Joint Maneuver Training Center at Fort Chaffee is a vital component to the readiness of the Total Army, and allows our National Guard units to focus on their warfighting mission. I am proud of the Arkansas National Guard and grateful for the continued support of the Arkansas community and delegation,” said Gen. George. 

Fort Chaffee recently earned Level 1 classification from the Department of Defense as one of five top National Guard training sites nationwide.

Boozman and Womack have been longtime advocates of investing in the training site, having successfully secured funding for improvements to Razorback Range, a new National Guard Readiness Center and a range expansion to enhance simulation exercises.

Senator Boozman, Congressman Womack and General George visited with Arkansas National Guard members at Fort Chaffee on Monday, January 8.