Washington, DC—March 26, 2025…Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) held his first public hearing of the 119th Congress to conduct oversight of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy was the witness, appearing for the first time before Congress since the tragic mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in January. Today is also the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

THUD Chairman Womack delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “Safety is a top priority for this subcommittee in our work to fund the nation’s transportation network. It is our duty to ensure we provide appropriate levels of support to transportation programs that ensure the safety of our skies, roads, and railroads.

“It is also our duty on this committee to support the operations of the National Transportation Safety Board. This critical, independent safety watchdog helps ensure our world-class transportation system is as safe as possible, identifying the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of some of our most tragic accidents and puzzling events in civil transportation.”

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “When you get on a plane, drive over a bridge, or board a train – you shouldn’t have to wonder if you’ll make it to your destination safely. The mission of Chair Homendy and her team at the National Transportation Safety Board is essential to that point. They investigate why an accident occurred and identify measures to prevent it from happening again. They don’t speculate – they find the facts necessary to uphold the highest standards of reliability and safety.

“As we begin the FY26 appropriations process, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to responsibly fund the critical safety missions and transportation infrastructure needs of this country.”

Congressman Womack’s full remarks as prepared are available here.

A video of Congressman Womack’s questions for Chair Homendy can be found here.

A full recording of the hearing is available here.

A video of Congressman Womack’s opening remarks is below.

Washington, January 15, 2025

Washington, DC—January 15, 2025…House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (OK-4) today announced his appointment of Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) to again serve as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. Congressman Womack will continue to serve on the Defense and Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittees during the 119th Congress.

Congressman Womack said, “It’s been an honor to serve on the Appropriations Committee, particularly as Chairman of the subcommittee that delivers the most for Arkansans. Drawing on my experience as a mayor, I understand how THUD’s jurisdiction impacts every American's safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life. My service on Defense and FSGG allows me to strengthen our national defense and financial systems. My continued focus remains set on fiscal responsibility and securing wins for Third District Arkansans. I thank my friend, Chairman Cole, for his confidence in me to work on these vital components of the Appropriations Committee. With the rosters now in order, we must immediately finish Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations and begin our work on Fiscal Year 2026.”

Chairman Cole said, “The subcommittees that invest in America’s defense, infrastructure, and economic opportunity require strong fiscal understanding and experience—and Congressman Womack is equipped to serve these missions with distinction. At the helm of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, you can expect leadership that strengthens America’s transportation and housing future. Grounded in his hands-on experience as a mayor, he knows how to turn practice into purpose. Chairman Womack is a seasoned appropriator who works each day to safeguard taxpayer dollars and support Arkansas and America. I look forward to the continued results delivered under his guidance.”

To learn more about the jurisdiction of each subcommittee, click the below links:

Congressman Womack has served on the House Appropriations Committee since his first term in Congress in 2011. This committee is responsible for the discretionary portion of the federal budget and conducting critical oversight of federal agencies. He previously served as Chairman of the FSGG Subcommittee, and was first appointed as Chairman of THUD in April 2024.

Womack holds National Transportation Safety Board oversight hearing

Womack reappointed Chairman of the Appropriations Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee