Steve Womack

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

Position: The release argues that the National Guard is an indispensable, combat-tested force that Congress and the Department of War should resource adequately, noting it receives a disproportionately small share of operations and maintenance funding relative to its end strength.

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

Position: The release announces a $23 million federal INFRA grant for truck parking infrastructure on future I-49 in Crawford County, Arkansas, and states Chairman Womack's support for $200 million in truck parking funding across fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

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

Position: The release states Congressman Womack would have voted yes on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which expands sanctions and trade and financial restrictions against Russia and extends the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031. He says combating Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine is vital to national security.

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.

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

Position: Chairman Womack states the FY27 transportation appropriations bill continues to provide the FAA resources to modernize the national aviation system, with facilities and equipment funding and reconciliation dollars serving as a downpayment toward that goal.

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 Votes to Fund Government, Prevent End of Fiscal Year Shutdown

Position: Congressman Womack voted in support of Senate amendments to H.R. 6500, a continuing resolution funding the federal government through December 11, 2026, to avoid a shutdown, and urged Congress to make progress on full-year funding agreements.

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 Supports Certainty and Commonsense Solutions for American Farmers

Position: Congressman Womack supports H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which he describes as delivering tax cuts, trade barrier reduction, broadband expansion, and agricultural research support while allowing SNAP to cover hot rotisserie chicken and preempting state livestock production standards.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 30, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Congressman Womack said, “Congress took the first step toward addressing the issues that affect our nation’s agricultural and rural communities by delivering historic tax cuts and needed reforms to our social programs last year in the Working Families Tax Cuts law. Today’s package completes our unfinished business by tackling trade barriers, strengthening broadband connectivity, and supporting research and development.” Congressman Womack continued, “Thanks to the efforts of the Arkansas congressional delegation, we secured language allowing SNAP beneficiaries to purchase hot rotisserie chicken—providing a nutritious food option that is currently prohibited under existing law. I am also pleased to see that this legislation fixes California’s left-wing Proposition 12 by clarifying that states and localities cannot impose unreasonable livestock production standards on producers across the country. America’s agricultural producers and rural families deserve commonsense solutions and certainty, and this legislation delivers exactly that.” Strengthens American farmers and rural communities by: 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 Statement on Budget Resolution to Fund ICE and CBP

Position: Congressman Womack supports funding for ICE and CBP operations and advocates for using the regular appropriations process rather than budget reconciliation to fund these agencies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 29, 2026… Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the statement below regarding the House’s passage of S. Con. Res. 33. This budget resolution instructs relevant House and Senate committees to provide funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations for the next three years. Congressman Womack said, “Congress has an Article I responsibility to fund our government in-full and on time through the regular appropriations process. Doing so ensures that taxpayer dollars are used wisely. Regrettably, political grandstanding on the other side of the aisle has forced us to isolate ICE and CBP funding—jeopardizing our national security. As we work to fund these two critical agencies and provide paycheck certainty to personnel, I caution all of my colleagues against the pitfalls that come with replacing the annual appropriations process with budget reconciliation.” 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 Votes to Empower Arkansas Producers and Rural Communities

Position: Congressman Womack voted in support of the FY 2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which allocates $26.27 billion to fund the Department of Agriculture and FDA. He argued the bill reduces regulatory overreach while supporting American agricultural producers and rural communities, and opposed an amendment that would have continued restrictions on broiler chicken farmers selling surplus eggs to the breaker market.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 29, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that advanced out of the House Appropriations Committee. This bill allocates $26.27 billion in discretionary spending to fund the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and more. Congressman Womack said, “This funding bill reins in regulatory overreach and ensures that our federal programs empower American producers and rural communities—all while maintaining the highest food and drug safety standards. Arkansas’s Third District is a national leader in poultry production and agricultural research, and this legislation provides resources to strengthen that leadership.” During the full committee markup, Congressman Womack spoke against an amendment that would continue to prevent broiler chicken farmers from selling their surplus eggs into the breaker market for pasteurization and mixture into everyday grocery products. The amendment was not adopted. Watch Congressman Womack’s remarks HERE. Empowers American producers and rural communities by: A summary of the bill is available HERE. The bill text, before adoption of amendments, 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 Votes to Renew Vital U.S. Intelligence Tool on Hostile Foreign Actors

Position: Congressman Womack supports extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through 2029, stating it is a critical tool for collecting foreign intelligence on overseas threats and preventing gaps in national security capabilities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 29, 2026… Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in support of the House Amendment to S. 1318. This bill extends the authorities of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) through April 30, 2029. Congressman Womack said, “Section 702 is a critical foreign intelligence authority that allows the United States to quickly and effectively stop foreign bad actors, such as spies, hackers, terrorists, and cartel leaders, from inflicting pain on the American public and threatening our national security. Extending this authority will help prevent dangerous gaps in intelligence and keep American lives safe—both of which are especially important amid ongoing overseas military action.” Section 702 allows the U.S. government to collect the electronic communications of foreign nationals overseas who raise reasonable intelligence concerns. Section 702 cannot be used to target American citizens. The House Amendment to S. 1318 builds on recent reforms to the Section 702 process and creates further safeguards for what is known as "incidental collection" of communications between American citizens and foreign nationals. These safeguards establish ample oversight and ensure that any identifiable information is removed before the Section 702 process continues. 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 Votes to Strengthen U.S. Financial Institutions and Regulatory Agencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 22,2026… Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill that advanced out of the House Appropriations Committee. This bill allocates $25.3 billion in discretionary spending to fund the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Judiciary, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and related agencies. Congressman Womack said, “Our nation’s financial system, as well as the rules and regulations that govern how businesses—both small and large—operate, should benefit American consumers and maximize taxpayer dollars. This package accomplishes this goal and is further strengthened by provisions that ensure that the Lower 900 MHz Band of spectrum can continue to be used by devices critical to public safety and supply chain logistics. As the former Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, I commend Chairman Joyce for his leadership in crafting this bill and look forward to voting for it on the House floor.” During the full committee markup, Congressman Womack spoke in support of an amendment to prevent the FCC from reconfiguring the Lower 900 MHz Band, or the portion of the 900-megahertz spectrum from 902-928 megahertz. Disrupting how this band of spectrum operates would negatively impact consumers and affect a wide range of licensed and unlicensed devices across industries such as supply chain logistics and public safety. The amendment was adopted. Watch Congressman Womack’s remarks HERE. Bolsters U.S. national security by: Ensures responsible use of taxpayer dollars by: 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.