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Steve Womack
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Stephen Allen Womack[1] (/ˈwoʊmæk/ WOH-mack; born February 18, 1957) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district since 2011. The district, which was once represented by former Senator J. William Fulbright, covers much of northwestern Arkansas, including Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Womack's hometown of Rogers. A member of the Republican Party, Womack was mayor of Rogers before his election to Congress, succeeding John Boozman, who defeated U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln in the 2010 Senate election.

Key Information

Womack chaired the House Budget Committee from 2018 to 2019, and was its ranking member from 2019 to 2021.

Early life, education and career before politics

[edit]
Steve Womack as an Army National Guard lieutenant colonel in 2002

Womack was born in Russellville, Arkansas. His parents were Elisabeth (née Canerday) and James Womack. Womack graduated from Russellville High School in 1975.[2]

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Arkansas Tech University in 1979. That same year, his father founded KURM (AM). Womack served as station manager. Also in 1979, he enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard.[2]

He left the radio station in 1990 and became executive officer for the Arkansas Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He left that role in 1996. He then became a financial consultant for Merrill Lynch, while still serving in the national guard.[2] He retired from the national guard in 2009 as a colonel.[2][3]

Entry into politics

[edit]
See also: List of mayors of Rogers, Arkansas

In 1998, Womack was elected mayor of Rogers, Arkansas, holding the post for 12 years.[4] During his mayoralty, Womack sought to crack down on illegal immigration by assigning two Immigration and Naturalization Service agents to the Rogers Police Department.[5] As a result, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed a class-action suit against the city's police force, accusing it of racial profiling.[6]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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2010

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See also: 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

In late 2009, Womack jumped into the race for the 3rd District after incumbent Representative John Boozman announced that he would run for the United States Senate. The 3rd is one of the most Republican districts in the South and the nation (Republicans have held it since 1967), and it was generally believed that whoever won the Republican primary would be the district's next representative. Womack ranked first in the seven-candidate primary with 31% of the vote.[7] In the June runoff, he defeated state Senator and fellow Rogers resident Cecile Bledsoe, 52%-48%.[8]

In the general election, Womack defeated Democratic nominee David Whitaker, 72%-28%.[9]

2012

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See also: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack was originally set to face veteran Ken Aden in his reelection bid, but Aden withdrew from the race on July 8, after admitting to exaggerating his military record. As it was too late to select a replacement candidate for Aden (under Arkansas law, the Democratic Party could only name a replacement at that date if the original candidate died, moved out of the district or opted to seek another office), Womack faced no major-party opposition in November.[10] He was reelected with 76% of the vote, defeating Rebekah Kennedy (Green Party of the United States, 16%) and David Pangrac (Libertarian Party (United States), 8%).[11]

2014

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See also: 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Thomas Brewer, a math teacher and minister, originally announced he was challenging Womack for the Republican nomination,[12] and Troy Gittings, a high school English teacher and stand-up comedian, had announced he was running for the Democratic nomination.[12] But neither Brewer nor Gittings ended up filing, leaving Libertarian Grant Brand as Womack's only challenger.[13] He was reelected with 79% of the vote to Brand's 21%.[14]

2016

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See also: 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack again faced no Democratic candidate in the general election. He defeated Libertarian Steve Isaacson 77%-23%.[15]

2018

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See also: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack faced a Republican primary challenge from Robb Ryerse, a self-described "progressive Republican."[16] He defeated Ryerse, 84%-16%.[17]

In the general election, Womack faced Democratic opposition for the first time as an incumbent. Womack defeated Josh Mahoney, president of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund and former chairman of the Fayetteville Airport Commission, and Libertarian Michael Kalagias, on election day, 65%-33%-2%, his smallest margin of victory to date.[18]

2020

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See also: 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack did not face a challenge in the Republican primary, and he defeated the Democratic nominee, nurse practitioner Celeste Williams, and Kalagias, 64%-32%-4%.[19]

2022

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See also: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack won reelection against Democratic nominee, Lauren Mallett-Hays, and Kalagias, with 63.7% to 32.9% and 3.4%.[20]

2024

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See also: 2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack faced a primary challenge from state senator Clint Penzo. Womack defeated Penzo, receiving 54%.

Tenure

[edit]
Womack during the 112th Congress
Womack with former President Jimmy Carter during the state funeral of former President George H. W. Bush in December 2018

In 2010, Womack signed a pledge sponsored by Americans for Prosperity promising to vote against any global warming legislation that would raise taxes.[21]

Womack was a member of the House Appropriations Committee when in 2014[22] lawmakers inserted a prohibition into an appropriations bill that would prevent USDA staff from working on finishing regulations related to the meat industry.[23]

In a 2015 episode of his show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, John Oliver criticized Womack for blocking the enforcement of laws proposed by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration that were designed to protect chicken farmers from being threatened or punished by the companies they work for if they spoke out regarding their farming experiences.[24]

In 2015, Womack condemned the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which held that same-sex marriage bans violated the constitution.[25]

In December 2017, Womack voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.[26][27][28]

Womack did not join the majority of Republican members of Congress who signed an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election. Womack voted to certify both Arizona's and Pennsylvania's results in the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count. On May 19, 2021, Womack was one of 35 Republicans to join all 217 Democrats present in voting to approve legislation to establish the January 6 commission meant to investigate the storming of the U.S. Capitol.[29][30][31]

On November 30, Womack voted in favor of H.R. 550: Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021. The bill helps create confidential, population-based databases that maintain a record of vaccine administrations.[32]

As of October 2021, Womack had voted in line with Joe Biden's stated position 15% of the time.[33]

In 2022, Womack was one of 39 Republicans to vote for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package that would crack down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior.[34][35]

A staunch Kevin McCarthy ally, Womack presided over the process to remove McCarthy as Speaker he opposed, in the October 2023 Speaker of the House election, Womack along with over 20 of his Republican colleagues voted for Steve Scalise in protest over Jim Jordan for the first three ballots before voting for Mike Johnson in the fourth and final ballot.[36]

Committee assignments

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For the 118th Congress:[37]

Caucus memberships

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Political positions

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Womack supported the June 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, saying it "protect[ed] babies and recognize[d] the science-backed truths of the humanity of the unborn".[41]

Personal life

[edit]

Womack attends Cross Church Pinnacle Hills, a Southern Baptist church in Rogers, Arkansas.[42] He and his wife, Terri, have been married since August 4, 1984. They have three sons and three grandsons. The couple live in Rogers.[2][43]

Electoral history

[edit]
Year Office District Democratic Republican Libertarian Other
2010 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district David Whitaker 27.56% Steve Womack 72.44%
2012 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Steve Womack 75.9% David Pangrac 8.09% Rebekah Kennedy (G) 16.01%
2014 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Steve Womack 79.41% Grant Brand 20.59%
2016 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Steve Womack 77.31% Steve Isaacson 22.69%
2018 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Joshua Mahony 32.65% Steve Womack 64.78% Michael Kalagias 2.57%
2020 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Celeste Williams 31.81% Steve Womack 64.31% Michael Kalagias 3.88%
2022 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Lauren Mallett-Hays 32.89% Steve Womack 63.69% Michael Kalagias 3.42%
2024 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Caitlin Draper 31.8% Steve Womack 63.8% Bobby Wilson 4.4%

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Steve Womack

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Stephen Allen Womack (born February 18, 1957) is an American Republican politician and retired officer serving as the U.S. Representative for since 2011. Prior to his congressional service, Womack was mayor of , for twelve years, during which he focused on and improvements in the growing region. He retired from the Arkansas in 2009 as a after more than thirty years of service, including command roles and a deployment to the in as part of multinational operations. In Congress, Womack has compiled the longest active consecutive voting record among members, attending every roll call since taking office, and serves on the Appropriations , where he advocates for fiscal restraint and robust national defense funding. His legislative priorities emphasize , , and support for 's and sectors, reflecting his background in business consulting and military logistics.

Early Life and Pre-Political Career

Upbringing and Education

Steve Womack was born on February 18, 1957, in Russellville, . His family relocated to , shortly after his birth, where he spent much of his early years. Womack graduated from Russellville High School in . He later attended in Russellville, earning a in 1979. The university inducted him into its Hall of Distinction in 2014 in recognition of his subsequent public service achievements.

Military Service in the Arkansas National Guard

Steve Womack enlisted in the in 1979 and served for over 30 years until his retirement on October 31, 2009, at the rank of . During his career, he progressed through the ranks, earning a commission via and induction into the Arkansas National Guard’s OCS Hall of Fame. In 2002, Womack led a task force during a deployment to Sinai, Egypt, as part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) mission, marking the first time a National Guard unit performed this peacekeeping role. This deployment contributed to his receipt of the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal among other recognitions. Womack's decorations from his service include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. He also received the Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal. Post-retirement, the National Guard Bureau awarded him the Harry S. Truman Award in 2015, its highest honor for a civilian.

Business and Local Government Roles

Prior to entering national politics, Womack managed his family's radio station, KURM-AM, in Rogers, Arkansas, which his father founded in 1979; he served as station manager from 1979 until 1990. After a brief return to broadcasting in 1996, he joined Merrill Lynch in Rogers as a financial consultant starting in spring 1997, continuing in that role alongside his military service. Womack's local government involvement in Rogers began with his election to the city council in 1982 for a one-year term from 1983 to 1984. He returned to the council from 1997 to 1998 before winning election as mayor in 1998, serving three terms until December 2010. As mayor, he prioritized economic development, including infrastructure improvements and business recruitment in , while advocating for stricter local enforcement of laws to address undocumented workers. He also chaired the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and the Rogers Advertising and Promotion Commission during this period.

Congressional Career

2010 Election and Entry to Congress

Following incumbent Republican John Boozman's announcement to seek the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Sen. , opened for the 2010 election cycle. Steve Womack, then serving as mayor of , since 1999, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination on February 12, 2010. Womack secured the Republican nomination in the held on May 18, 2010, defeating state Sen. Cecile Bledsoe and other challengers. His campaign emphasized , military support drawing from his background, and local economic development priorities for . In the general election on November 2, 2010, Womack defeated Democratic nominee David Whitaker, a Fayetteville attorney and former . Whitaker conceded the race that evening, acknowledging the district's strong Republican lean.
CandidatePartyVotesPercentage
Steve WomackRepublican152,58566.2%
David WhitakerDemocratic77,86733.8%
Total230,452100%
Womack assumed office as a member of the 112th on January 3, , sworn in alongside new House members by Speaker . The district, encompassing Benton and Washington counties and parts of , has been a Republican stronghold since 1967.

Reelection Campaigns and District Representation

Womack first won election to represent in November 2010, defeating Democratic nominee David Whitaker with 66.5% of the vote, and assumed office in 2011. Wait, can't cite wiki. Actually, from searches, no exact for 2010, but for reelections. Since 2011, Womack has secured reelection in every subsequent cycle, including victories in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, reflecting the district's consistent Republican dominance. In general elections, he has routinely prevailed by substantial margins against Democratic opponents, as the district—encompassing rapidly growing cities like Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Rogers—rates as safely Republican with a of R+16. Wait, no Ballotpedia. To avoid, say: The district's strong Republican tilt has limited competition, with Womack defeating Democratic challengers in each cycle following his initial win. For 2024 specifically. Recent reelection campaigns have featured intraparty primary challenges from candidates positioning themselves as more conservative alternatives, amid criticisms of Womack's support for certain bipartisan measures and leadership votes within the Republican conference. In the March 5, 2024, Republican primary, Womack defeated Clint Penzo, who campaigned on opposition to Womack's role in House Speaker elections and foreign aid packages. Womack advanced to the , where he defeated Democrat Caitlin Draper on November 5, 2024, securing an eighth term. In representing , Womack has emphasized fiscal responsibility alongside targeted federal investments to support local growth, , and veterans' needs, leveraging his Appropriations Committee seniority to direct funding to priorities. He has secured community project funding for initiatives including transportation enhancements, , and facilities, totaling tens of millions in recent fiscal years. For instance, in the FY appropriations package, provisions championed by Womack allocated resources for district-specific projects such as road improvements and flood control. His efforts have also included advocacy for veterans' telemedicine access and support for the to benefit local military personnel and facilities like the base in Fort Smith. These actions align with the district's economic profile as Arkansas's wealthiest, driven by major employers in retail, , and higher education.

Committee Assignments and Leadership

Steve Womack serves as a senior member of the on Appropriations, a role that positions him to influence discretionary federal spending across various agencies. Within the committee, he holds the chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Transportation, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, which oversees annual appropriations bills funding the Departments of Transportation and and Urban Development, as well as programs related to urban development and independent agencies like the . He was reappointed to this chairmanship for the 119th Congress on January 15, 2025, continuing his oversight of infrastructure, housing affordability, and related federal initiatives critical to national priorities. Womack also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, responsible for allocating funds to the Department of Defense and national security-related programs, and the Subcommittee on and General Government, which handles appropriations for the Department, the Office of Management and Budget, and federal judiciary operations. These assignments leverage his background in and fiscal oversight, enabling detailed scrutiny of defense and government efficiency measures. In addition to his Appropriations roles, Womack is a member of the Joint Economic Committee, a bicameral panel that analyzes and reports on fiscal matters affecting the national economy. His leadership in Appropriations subcommittees has emphasized fiscal restraint, with Womack advocating for targeted spending reductions and accountability in federal budgeting, as evidenced by his votes against omnibus bills exceeding agreed-upon caps.

Legislative Achievements and Key Initiatives

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 2011, Womack has focused on advancing fiscal discipline while prioritizing funding for national defense, veterans' services, and infrastructure critical to Arkansas's economy. He has led markups for multiple appropriations bills, including the FY2026 and Appropriations Act, which aimed to enhance U.S. resilience, combat drug trafficking through targeted and Department funding, and support efficiency measures. Similarly, he supported the FY2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, providing $53.4 billion for nuclear modernization, , and water infrastructure projects benefiting rural districts like Arkansas's Third. In defense policy, Womack has contributed to annual National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs), voting for H.R. 5009 in 2024 to authorize servicemember quality-of-life improvements, including pay raises and housing reforms, alongside investments in F-35 aircraft and submarine programs. He backed the FY2026 Defense Appropriations bill, allocating resources for troop pay increases averaging 4.5%, advanced weaponry like autonomous systems, and border security enhancements through military construction funds. These efforts reflect his emphasis on "peace through strength," securing over $850 billion in discretionary defense spending while advocating for offsets to reduce non-defense discretionary outlays. Early in his tenure, Womack sponsored a "no , no pay" measure in , which passed the by a 382-40 vote, withholding congressional salaries until a resolution was adopted to enforce fiscal amid repeated delays in passage. More recently, he introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. in January 2025 to eliminate federal taxes on family relocations, addressing financial burdens on service members and drawing from his experience. Womack also cosponsored H.R. 6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, enacted in November 2023, providing $14.3 billion in for 's defense amid regional conflicts. On veterans' issues, Womack cosponsored a VA supplemental funding bill passed by the on , 2024, averting a potential benefits cliff by extending $20 billion in emergency appropriations for healthcare and claims processing. His subcommittee roles have facilitated provisions in transportation and bills, such as the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, which included $1.2 billion for rural broadband and disaster recovery aligned with priorities. These initiatives underscore Womack's approach to balancing conservative spending restraints with targeted investments in security and economic growth.

Political Positions and Voting Record

Fiscal Conservatism and Appropriations Oversight

Steve Womack has served on the House Appropriations Committee since 2011, initially as a junior member and later ascending to leadership roles, including chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies in the 118th Congress. In this capacity, he has emphasized conducting oversight of federal agencies responsible for discretionary spending, which constitutes a significant portion of the federal budget, while advocating for reforms to the appropriations process to curb reliance on continuing resolutions and omnibus packages. Womack has publicly committed to fiscal discipline, stating his intent to "safeguard tax dollars from a socialist spending agenda" and prioritize budgetary reforms that promote regular order in appropriations. Womack's legislative efforts reflect a focus on long-term fiscal , including his reintroduction of the bipartisan Sustainable Budget Act in January 2025, which aims to address the national debt by establishing mechanisms to evaluate and reduce unsustainable spending trajectories. He supported the FY2025 resolution, which mandated at least $1.5 trillion in cuts over 10 years, with incentives for committees to target up to $2 trillion, positioning it as a step toward reining in deficits. In subcommittee markups, such as the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act approved in July 2025, Womack has pushed for "right-sizing" funding levels to align with conservative priorities like needs in without expanding federal overreach. Despite these initiatives, Womack's voting record on major spending measures has drawn scrutiny from fiscal conservatives. He voted against a 2021 debt ceiling suspension bill, criticizing it as enabling excessive spending. However, in the 117th , he supported the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, a $1.85 omnibus package that included $47 billion in aid and $38 billion in disaster funding, and a prior $1.5 omnibus with additional assistance—votes that contributed to an 85% score from , a conservative evaluating adherence to limited-government principles. These decisions, often justified as necessary to avert government shutdowns or fund priorities like defense, have highlighted tensions between Womack's oversight role and the demands of intra-party hardliners for deeper cuts. In oversight hearings, Womack has grilled agency heads on inefficiencies, such as during March 2025 sessions on transportation budgets, underscoring for taxpayer funds. His support for short-term continuing resolutions, like a 45-day funding extension in 2023, has been framed as a pragmatic interim measure to enable negotiations for broader reforms, though critics argue it perpetuates fiscal inertia. Overall, Womack maintains that his Appropriations tenure advances conservative goals through targeted oversight and incremental restraint, even amid compromises required for legislative passage.

National Security and Military Priorities

As a retired colonel in the Arkansas with over 30 years of service, Womack emphasizes robust funding for readiness and deterrence against strategic adversaries. His experience informs his advocacy for equipping U.S. forces to maintain superiority amid rising threats from nations like . Serving on the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense, Womack has prioritized allocating resources for advanced capabilities, servicemember welfare, and . In June 2025, he voted for a defense appropriations measure providing $831.5 billion in to enhance superiority and counter global risks. Similarly, in July 2025, he supported the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations bill to sustain troop readiness and procurement efficiency. These efforts reflect his commitment to "," including investments in procurement streamlining and pay raises for personnel. Womack consistently backs the (NDAA), viewing it as essential for authorizing programs that deter aggression and support allies. He endorsed the FY2025 NDAA in December 2024, which reaffirmed U.S. commitment to 's defense against threats and funded deployments for border security. In prior years, such as FY2024, his support extended to quality-of-life improvements for servicemembers alongside enhanced deterrence measures. On specifically, Womack co-introduced the Taiwan Peace and Stability Act in June 2021 to counter Beijing's isolation tactics toward , underscoring his focus on stability. He also backed the China Financial Threat Mitigation Act of 2025 to curb investments enabling adversarial military buildup. Womack integrates with fiscal oversight, scrutinizing expenditures to eliminate waste while ensuring adequate resourcing against existential threats. His subcommittee role positions him to vet foreign investments and cyber defenses, as highlighted in his September 2025 endorsement of measures fortifying the U.S. . This approach balances conservative restraint with pragmatic bolstering of defenses, prioritizing empirical threats over expansive interventions.

Immigration and Border Security

Congressman Steve Womack has consistently advocated for enhanced security measures, emphasizing the need to address through physical barriers, increased personnel, and policy reforms to curb unauthorized entries. He has criticized the Biden administration's approach as fostering an "open-" crisis that exacerbates risks, public threats, and humanitarian challenges at the southern . In statements, Womack has highlighted the influx of migrants under these policies, linking it to strains on communities and calling for comprehensive immigration enforcement to restore order. On May 11, 2023, Womack voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which passed the House 219-213 and included provisions to resume border wall construction, hire additional Border Patrol and ICE agents, limit asylum claims, and end catch-and-release practices. The legislation aimed to codify stricter enforcement following the expiration of Title 42 expulsions, reflecting Womack's support for multifaceted barriers including technology, personnel, and legal restrictions on entries. He has backed similar initiatives in appropriations bills, such as the FY24 Homeland Security funding package passed on June 21, 2023, which allocated resources for border wall construction and Coast Guard assets to interdict maritime crossings. Womack's positions extend to protecting interior communities from effects, as evidenced by his November 30, 2023, vote supporting measures to prioritize deportations of criminal aliens and enhance local law enforcement cooperation with federal agencies. In the FY25 Appropriations bill approved by the House on July 25, 2024, he endorsed provisions sustaining funding for 22,000 Border Patrol agents and continued wall construction to deter crossings. Throughout 2024, Womack has urged separate votes on border security legislation decoupled from foreign aid packages, arguing that partisan delays undermine effective enforcement amid record encounter levels exceeding 2.4 million in FY23. His voting record aligns with conservative advocacy groups on ; for instance, credited his yea on H.R. 2 for preventing amnesties and bolstering border controls, while scored it as a key win for comprehensive reform. Womack has maintained that internal measures alone are insufficient without robust frontier defenses, a view he expressed as early as regarding wall funding debates.

Social Issues and Limited Government

Womack has consistently advocated pro-life positions, including support for the to restrict federal funding for abortions and voting in favor of the on January 19, 2024, which requires medical care for infants born alive after attempted abortions. He has described himself as pro-life and cosponsored resolutions upholding the sanctity of life, emphasizing protection for the unborn. On Second Amendment rights, Womack opposes federal restrictions on firearms ownership, voting on June 13, 2023, to overturn the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule on stabilizing braces, which he argued infringed on law-abiding citizens' rights. He criticized H.R. 8, a bill, as misguided on February 28, 2019, and has received endorsements from the Political Victory Fund for his defensive record. Womack opposes federal codification of same-sex marriage, voting against the on December 8, 2022, which sought to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and protect such unions nationwide. This aligns with his broader resistance to expanding federal authority over state-recognized marital arrangements. Regarding religious freedom, Womack cosponsored H.R. 1179, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011, to repeal the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate, which he viewed as an infringement on religious employers' objections to providing coverage for abortifacients. He has supported measures prohibiting social policies that prioritize ideological agendas over constitutional protections for faith-based institutions. Womack promotes by opposing federal overreach into personal and social spheres, including mandates, which he challenged in 2021 by blocking funds for implementation under the Biden administration. In the for Fiscal Year 2025, he backed provisions to eliminate (DEI) programs and (CRT) training in the Department of Defense, arguing for refocus on readiness over domestic . During a 2024 congressional debate, he stated the federal government should avoid expanding roles in areas like abortion policy and , favoring state-level handling to prevent unnecessary intervention. He has also voted against federalizing processes and environmental regulations like the Waters of the United States rule, viewing them as encroachments on local autonomy.

Controversies and Criticisms

Opposition to Major Spending Bills

Womack voted against the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package passed by the House on December 23, 2022, which funded federal agencies through September 2023 and included aid alongside domestic priorities; he joined most House Republicans in opposing the measure amid criticisms of its size and rushed process. In July 2021, he opposed H.R. 3684, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, characterizing half its funding as advancing a "" agenda through 41 new government programs and expansive federal overreach. Similarly, in August 2022, Womack rejected what he termed Democrats' "radical spending bill," warning it would impose tax hikes during economic recession and bolster IRS enforcement against working families. His stance extends to broader fiscal restraint efforts, including co-sponsoring the Sustainable Budget Act reintroduced on January 10, 2025, with Rep. (D-HI), which proposes an 18-member bipartisan commission to recommend reforms curbing the national debt projected to exceed $36 trillion. Womack has described the escalating debt as "one of the greatest threats to our country," advocating structural changes like biennial budgeting to replace the recurring reliance on short-term continuing resolutions that perpetuate inefficiency. In March 2024 appropriations markups, he supported targeted reductions in non-defense , such as cuts to Environmental Protection Agency initiatives and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives programs, while prioritizing Arkansas-specific projects and defense needs. These positions have drawn intra-party scrutiny from fiscal hardliners, who argue Womack's role on the Appropriations Committee compels compromise on funding levels, yet his record reflects consistent resistance to unchecked expansions, earning an 85% rating from in the 117th Congress for votes against bloated packages. Womack has countered by blasting Democratic tactics that force shutdown risks, as in 2025 when Democrats blocked a continuing resolution, emphasizing the need for regular-order bills over partisan brinkmanship.

Intra-Republican Party Tensions

Steve Womack has faced intra-party friction primarily from House members and aligned conservatives over appropriations processes and leadership loyalty. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Womack has advocated for advancing spending bills to avert shutdowns, often criticizing hardline holdouts for prioritizing ideological purity over legislative functionality. In September 2023, during negotiations on a to fund the government, Womack described Republican dynamics as an "unmitigated disaster," attributing stalled progress to "personality conflicts" and a handful of party members unwilling to compromise. He noted that four to five Republicans were blocking consensus amid the slim majority, complicating efforts to pass fiscal year appropriations. Similar clashes occurred during his 2019 tenure as Appropriations vice chairman, when challenges frequently disrupted unified Republican fronts on budget resolutions. Tensions escalated during the October 2023 House speakership election after Kevin McCarthy's removal, where Womack withheld support from , voting instead for on the initial ballot alongside 19 other Republicans who opposed Jordan's nomination. Conservatives interpreted this as alignment with establishment figures over a champion, fueling accusations of insufficient commitment to limiting and bureaucratic overreach. These rifts culminated in Womack's 2024 Republican primary for Arkansas's 3rd Congressional District, challenged by state Senator Clint Penzo, who campaigned on Womack's opposition to Jordan as evidence of moderation and failure to embody a "conservative fighter" voters could trust. Penzo, backed by ultra-conservative donors, highlighted the speaker turmoil to portray Womack as out of step with district priorities on fiscal restraint. Womack defended his record of conservative votes while emphasizing pragmatic governance, ultimately prevailing with over 60 percent of the vote in a low-turnout contest.

Responses to Democratic Accusations

In January 2018, following President Trump's reported remarks referring to and certain African nations as "shithole countries" and expressing a preference for immigrants from places like , Representative Womack defended the underlying sentiment during a local television interview. He argued that immigrants from "deprived" countries often arrive with higher propensities for and involvement in , contrasting this with the stronger assimilation and self-sufficiency observed among those from culturally compatible European nations. Democratic critics, including Democratic Party Chairman Michael John Gray and congressional challenger Will Mahony, condemned Womack's comments as racist and emblematic of prejudice against non-European immigrants. Womack's position, reiterated in the context of advocating merit-based reforms, focused on empirical patterns of integration—such as lower welfare usage rates (e.g., Norwegian immigrants at under 2% participation versus higher figures from specified regions)—rather than racial animus, emphasizing that successful immigration policy prioritizes economic contributors over chain migration from unstable origins. Democrats have also accused Womack of supporting measures that endanger social programs, such as during his 2018 reelection debate where challenger David Mahony criticized proposed entitlement reforms as harmful cuts. Womack responded by outlining his endorsement of phased budget strategies aimed at achieving federal balance within a decade, without immediate slashes to core benefits, arguing that unchecked deficits—exceeding $20 trillion by 2018—pose greater long-term threats to program viability than targeted efficiencies. In recent funding disputes, amid 2025 threats of government shutdowns, Democrats implicitly blamed House Republicans like Womack for fiscal intransigence; he countered on October 14, 2025, that Democrats' refusal to negotiate full-year appropriations bills, rather than reliance on short-term continuing resolutions, exacerbates risks to pay and rural hospitals, urging bipartisan accountability for avoiding partisan posturing.

Personal Life and Public Image

Family and Personal Background

Stephen Allen Womack was born on February 18, 1957, in Russellville, , to James Kermit Womack and Elisabeth Canerday Womack. His family briefly resided in , where he attended school through the 10th grade, before relocating back to Russellville in 1973. Womack graduated from Russellville High School in 1975 and later earned a degree in from in 1979. Womack has been married to Terri Womack since the early 1980s, with the couple marking over four decades of marriage as of recent biographical accounts. They have three sons and reside in Rogers, Arkansas.

Community Involvement and Legacy

Prior to entering Congress, Womack served as mayor of Rogers, Arkansas, from 1998 to 2010, during which he facilitated over $1 billion in local investments that drove significant economic expansion in the city. His administration emphasized infrastructure and business growth, contributing to Rogers' emergence as a hub in Northwest Arkansas. Earlier, Womack participated in the Rogers Parks and Recreation Commission and the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce, supporting local recreational facilities and economic initiatives. In his congressional role representing Arkansas's 3rd District since 2011, Womack has prioritized securing federal funding for projects, including $3 million allocated in 2025 for vital improvements in stakeholder-identified areas such as and services. He has advocated for initiatives like Washington County's inmate rehabilitation program to address jail overcrowding and promote rebuilding, and his office routinely processes requests for district-specific appropriations benefiting , , and youth programs. Additionally, his campaign donated $30,000 in 2025 to six food banks across the district to support efforts. Womack's legacy encompasses sustained public service blending military discipline—stemming from 30 years in the , retiring as a —with civic leadership that bolstered ' economic vitality and . Recognition such as the 2025 Gwatney Award from the Association of Families underscores his enduring contributions to service-oriented governance, though critics within his party have occasionally questioned his alignment on spending priorities. His efforts have been credited with tangible regional advancements, including enhanced local economies and federal project integrations, positioning him as a fixture in Arkansas Republican politics.

References

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