Steve Womack

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, as a testament to the gentleman's amendment, I am a proud cosponsor of that particular amendment and I am pleased that he has offered such. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good), who is a member of the Budget and Education and Labor Committees.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK. I reserve the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao).

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry), my friend from Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, a general, who is a very respected member of the Foreign Affairs and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I will just take the remaining few seconds of my time just to say this. As an appropriator, I am not a big fan of how all of this is being choreographed and structured, but I also recognize that time is not on our side. People witnessing this event, probably are not real sure what these en blocs are all about, but it is a simple way to save a little bit of time. Frankly, I think we ought to get back to regular order, where we can have a full-throated debate, an open rule, if you will, and just talk about each one of these very important issues one by one, and truly represent the will of the American people. That is what the Congress is here for. It was what it was built for. However, I do recognize that given the political circumstances we are in today, and the fact that we don't have a lot of time, that this is what we are left with. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the en bloc and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I won't belabor the point that I made a few minutes ago that I am not a big fan of this process, but there does come a time in the process where we come to some agreement on things, and I guess we are at that stage of the game. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pearland, Texas (Mr. Weber).

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tipton, Michigan, Michigan's Seventh District (Mr. Walberg), a valued and respected member of the Education and Labor and Energy and Commerce Committees.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from San Angelo, Texas (Mr. Pfluger), a very distinguished member of the freshman class of this Congress, a member of the Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees. I am proud of his service to our country in uniform as a pilot of that F-22.

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the distinguished Republican leader of our conference, all the way from Bakersfield, California.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today. Arkansas lost one of its finest over the weekend. Pea Ridge Police Officer Kevin Apple was tragically killed in the line of duty while working to apprehend two suspects. When he approached the suspects' vehicle, he did what professional law enforcement officers do. He didn't shy away from the threat. He confronted it. And in so doing, he gave his life for his community. It reminds us of the supreme courage displayed by the men and women in uniform and the growing dangers they face each and every day. Through his leadership, bravery, and selfless dedication, Officer Apple exemplified the best our State has to offer. For more than 20 years, he nobly served in law enforcement. He was a protector and demonstrated the principled integrity the badge requires. This heart for service was at the core of his character. Past his uniform, he was known as a good neighbor who was always willing to help others. Arkansas will never forget his service. I join Mayor Jackie Crabtree and Police Chief Lynn Hahn; his mother, Dalene Hart; stepfather, Richard White; and brother, Kyle Hart, in mourning his loss. The Third District of Arkansas was blessed to have such a dedicated hero keeping us safe. We will always keep his memory alive.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a milestone in the life of one of Russellville, Arkansas' most admired citizens, Robyn Richardson. He is a beloved fixture in the community and one of the River Valley's biggest sports fans. I first got to know Richardson when playing football for my alma mater, Russellville High School, and, later, Arkansas Tech University. Robyn never missed a game. I will always remember him in the end zone of football games, ready to catch field goals and extra points, then promptly returning the football to the game officials. He was as much a part of the game as the players on the field. But, Mr. Speaker, the milestone I speak of is the fact that he is now the longest-serving employee of Pope County, Arkansas, celebrating his 50th anniversary of employment. I had the pleasure of joining the city and county last week in a tribute to Robyn's service. Not surprisingly, he told me he feels great and has no intention of retiring anytime soon. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Robyn Richardson, and I want the Nation to hear of his amazing record of service. Congratulations to my friend.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a legend in Arkansas sports, the late Razorback track and field coach John McDonnell. Coach McDonnell was laid to rest last week, leaving a truly remarkable legacy: the most decorated coach in NCAA history, having won 40 national championships in indoor and outdoor track and cross country. He was the national coach of the year 30 times and is responsible for six NCAA triple crowns at Arkansas. He coached and mentored some of the world's best athletes: Southwest Conference champions, Southeast Conference champions, NCAA champions, and Olympic champions. He himself was an outstanding runner, and he knew how to help his student-athletes become successful. Coach McDonnell was a native of Ireland. He came to the U.S., graduated from Southwest Louisiana, and earned his citizenship in 1969. He devoted his life to inspiring young people to excel. On the many occasions that I had a chance to visit with Coach McDonnell, I always came away thankful that we in America were blessed to have him. When the starting gun fires and they are calling the Hogs on the track that bears his name, we will all be reminded of his legacy of good works and great coaching and his unrelenting Razorback spirit. My deepest condolences to his wife of more than 50 years, Ellen, children Sean and Heather, and the rest of the McDonnell family.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, before I get to my prepared remarks, let me just respond to my friend from Ohio. When he speaks, he makes it sound like that what went on here yesterday on the vote on the 1/6 commission was not bipartisan. Let me remind the gentleman that the work of John Katko on our side and Bennie Thompson on the Democratic side was absolutely bipartisan. There was a give-and-take for both sides. When the final vote was taken yesterday, yes, there were only 35 Republican votes, but I think that would qualify as a bipartisan vote yesterday. So to categorically suggest to the people who might be listening or watching today that that was one-sided is certainly inaccurate. I agree with my friend from Washington that we need a better idea of how we are going to spend money before we do what Washington always does, and that is just throw a lot of money at the problem. So, naturally, I rise in opposition to this partisan security supplemental. It is certainly not bipartisan in its workup because there hasn't been any negotiation, as we saw with Mr. Thompson and Mr. Katko yesterday. This is just my opinion, but I believe that one of the biggest failures that led to what happened on 1/6 was a failure to act on intelligence that we knew. I supported that bipartisan commission because I want to see the intelligence. I want to see what was being said by all of our experts in the run-up to 1/6. I think part of the problem on January 6 was the fact that we did not act on intelligence that we knew. If the National Guard was needed, there is a protocol in place to activate the National Guard.

Mr. WOMACK. So I object to the creation of a quick reaction force, a $200 million expense to bring the National Guard into the picture. There is a protocol in place. We ought to exercise it. The way you do it is you act on intelligence. I also oppose creating the $250 million slush fund for future unknown costs. Let's understand what our security needs are before we throw a bunch of money at the problem. It also includes funding for the judiciary and the District of Columbia that is unrelated to the January 6 attacks. The security of our Federal courts is extremely important, but that can be addressed through the regular appropriations process. We ought to do that. Finally, I am disappointed the bill was not marked up by the Appropriations Committee and that the majority has prohibited amendments to improve the bill. Madam Speaker, it is not going to surprise you or anybody else that I am not a big fan of this bill. I urge a ``no'' vote. Let's go back to the drawing board. Let's bring some sanity back to this process.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for hosting this very important series regarding law enforcement. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise today to honor the men and women in blue. They have devoted their lives to keeping our communities and families safe--unflinching in this mission, even when faced with growing hostility and danger. These guardians stand on the front lines, regardless of the peril to themselves, not for praise or glory, but to protect and serve the citizens and uphold law and order. And no matter the situation, they answer the call of duty. Mr. Speaker, as I speak, Officer Tyler Franks of the Prairie Grove Arkansas Police Department is recovering, having been shot in the line of duty just a few days ago. Officer Franks has undergone multiple surgeries. He will endure more, and, indeed, has a long road ahead. Please pray for Officer Franks. Let us also pay tribute to our fallen heroes. We honor the memory of Fayetteville Police Officer Stephen Carr, who, in December of 2019, was assassinated while sitting in his patrol unit behind the police department because of his uniform. We recognize the quick action of Corporal Seay Floyd and Officer Natalie Eucce, who immediately acted and captured the assassin. We also remember Sebastian County Deputy Bill Cooper and Corporal Terry Wayne Johnson, both of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Mr. Speaker, these are just a few examples of the real sacrifices and dangers faced by our brave officers every day. I am eternally grateful for those who wear the badge and keep the Third District safe. This National Police Week, I thank every noble law enforcement officer in Arkansas and across our Nation for their dedicated service. We salute them.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for the opportunity to speak. Madam Speaker, you don't need to identify as a Republican or a Democrat to want free and fair elections. Frankly, ask any American and I am pretty sure they will agree that the cornerstone to any legitimate democracy is the ability to freely choose their leaders. I am also pretty sure that they will agree that money has a way of corrupting just about anything--including elections; which is why I shake my head at the language in this bill that provides a 6-to-1 match for donations up to $200. Last Congress, they tried to do it with taxpayer money. That didn't go over so well, so now they try again; this time, with some crazy shell game to accomplish the same result. I also believe that most Americans will agree that the right to vote is among the most precious we have. It is more important than getting on an airline. It is more important than buying an adult beverage. It is more important than cashing a paycheck at your local bank. Why we would weaken our ability to prove certain the identities of people voting in our elections is a mystery to me. Trying to convince us that H.R. 1 is for the people is like saying, You are with the Federal Government and you are here to help us. No, thank you.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I think a little honesty is in order tonight. It is no secret that this so-called American Rescue Plan Act has little to do with the hardships placed on Americans by COVID. When 90 percent of a spending plan, rammed through on a sham of a budget resolution, gets spent years down the road, with much of it having little to do with the coronavirus, we should at least be honest with our constituents. It is apparently Christmas again. Here is an example. What does the multiemployer pension issue have to do with the pandemic? Remember the failed joint select committee that was supposed to solve that problem back in 2018? That was long before COVID. But here we are, about to spend $85-plus billion on this bailout. That is double the amount of money we give to the National Institutes of Health. Look, before we ask future generations to float us another $2 trillion to pay off these liberal promises, let's at least have the integrity to admit that this really isn't about COVID.