Steve Womack
RWhile we were there, we also had a chance to see how Five Rivers Distribution moves feed from barge to truck. https://t.co/0RwIWmk3fh
As Chairman of the @HouseAppropsGOP Transportation—HUD Subcommittee, I understand well that strong transportation infrastructure keeps our communities moving and our economy growing. Here in #AR3, @USDOT @SecDuffy saw firsthand how federal investment is helping our region develop this critical infrastructure that will not only contribute to our continued prosperity but to that of the nation. Read more: https://t.co/3AYskXUE5Z
During a working lunch at @flyxna, @USDOT @SecDuffy and I met with elected officials, airport leadership, local trucking and logistics executives, and regional infrastructure stakeholders to discuss Northwest Arkansas’s rapid growth and the transportation challenges that come with it.
Commissioner and Chairman of the Arkansas State Highway Commission Phil Taldo also presented @SecDuffy with the Arkansas Traveler Certificate—a special recognition given to out-of-state travelers who have contributed to making our state great. https://t.co/YExvf2oqsF
.@USDOT @SecDuffy is in Arkansas’s Third District! We kicked off the morning with a look at the ongoing construction of the Alma-to-Barling segment of I-49 with @myARDOT Director Jared Wiley. This project will help relieve congestion and support new economic growth in the River Valley. That’s why I worked to secure $21 million through the appropriations process to help move this project forward.
TODAY is the deadline to register to vote in November’s election! Make sure you are registered or make a plan to register today. This election, I hope to once again earn your vote and continue fighting for you in Washington. https://t.co/iCKtiiOI3W
Honored to host my friend @SecDuffy in #AR3 today!
I had the opportunity to help show off @flyxna’s new air traffic control tower to @USDOT @SecDuffy, where we heard from airport leaders, including CEO Aaron Burkes, about their current operations and plans for the future. Federal investments—including the $17 million I’ve secured through the appropriations process—are helping XNA expand its size and operating capacity—giving travelers more destination options while improving their time spent in the terminal.
In Van Buren, @SecDuffy joined me in visiting the future site of the River Valley Slackwater Harbor—a project that received a $15.1 million @DOTMARAD grant with my support. Expanding the port’s capacity will support increased freight movement in the region, positioning the River Valley for long-term economic growth.
Great to have Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in #AR3 tonight! Stay tuned for what’s ahead tomorrow. https://t.co/jbix98aHWq
Congratulations to the Benton County Republicans for officially opening their new Victory Office. I’m thankful for the important work they do to encourage folks to get out and vote for lower taxes, a secure nation, and less government red tape. https://t.co/AIkWUx2nuX
It was a great morning in Fort Smith with the Third District Republicans. I was glad to share about the great work Republicans have been able to accomplish. The River Valley plays a vital role in strengthening our national security, and I’ll continue working to keep it that way. https://t.co/jZeEiYPdPN
Happy National Manufacturing Day to the companies across Arkansas’s Third District that are strengthening our local and national economies by making things right here in America. Our manufacturers create good-paying jobs, drive innovation, and attract new investment to our communities. I’ve enjoyed visiting many of our district’s manufacturing facilities this year and look forward to visiting many more. Thank you for what you do to keep Arkansas manufacturing strong.
I had a great time stopping by the Springdale Chamber of Commerce’s annual Chickin Peelin’ & Politickin’ event. As Springdale continues to grow, I remain ready to assist in delivering critical federal investments that help their infrastructure keep pace with that growth. https://t.co/X2DF1q9YxU
Progress is being made at Lake Wedington! I had the opportunity to see how the $4.7 million in federal funding I secured in Fiscal Year 2024 is being used to make necessary upgrades to the infrastructure at the Lake Wedington Recreation Area. I look forward to seeing the completion of this project so we can get back to enjoying the great outdoors here.
It was a pleasure to meet the incredible students at the brand-new Prairie Grove Junior High, including Tracie Ashley’s 8th grade social studies class. Ms. Ashley was recently named the Prairie Grove School District’s Teacher of the Year, and the caliber of her students is a testament to her hard work. Go Tigers!
Proud of the work we have accomplished on the @HouseAppropsGOP Committee this year. Let’s get all 12 FY27 bills across the finish line!
With more folks moving to Pea Ridge, it’s important that our first responders have the infrastructure needed to keep up. This morning, I met with Mayor Nathan See and his leadership team to discuss the plans for the city’s new fire station near Gladheart Park. I was proud to secure $2.75 million in Fiscal Year 2026 to help fund this important infrastructure and look forward to seeing its future construction.
Safe, clean water is vital, and I enjoyed seeing the progress on the Beaver Water District’s new water treatment facility, which will help deliver just that. As the population in Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, I am excited to see how this project helps meet the increasing water demands of our region for decades to come.
Earlier this morning, I had the opportunity to visit the Cedarville Wellness Center. This clinic operates as a school-based health clinic in partnership with River Valley Primary Care Services, and I enjoyed learning more about how students, staff, and members of the community in Cedarville benefit from the accessible healthcare that the Wellness Center provides.
I appreciated getting to speak to the cadets in Van Buren High School’s Army JROTC program this morning. Few things make me prouder than seeing young people dedicated to serving their country, and these students are doing just that. After visiting with the cadets, I also got to take a look around the Pointer Activity Complex that serves as the district’s indoor athletic practice facility.
It’s always a pleasure to sit down with Mayor Joe Hurst to talk about the issues that are important to the folks in Van Buren. I look forward to seeing how the city continues to grow and develop. https://t.co/0yUtmyl20B
Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is a time to honor the loved ones of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation. We will never forget their immense sacrifices, and we will always remember those they lost.
More than $54 million is headed to rural Arkansas to help develop new healthcare professionals and preventative care! This funding is part of the $209 million our state received through the Rural Health Transformation Program—a program I voted to create last year in the Working Families Tax Cuts law. I look forward to seeing how these investments will ensure rural patients stay healthy by putting them within arm’s reach of the best providers and treatments. Read more: https://t.co/xgvds5mbDS
BELLA VISTA, Arkansas—September 24, 2026…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) presented the Purple Heart Medal to Retired Army Staff Sergeant George F. O’Dell who was seriously injured while deployed to Iraq in 2009. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to servicemembers who are killed or wounded by enemy action. For unknown reasons, no award was made to SSG(R) O’Dell in the years after his injury. In 2026, Congressman Womack advocated to the U.S. Army on behalf of SSG(R) O’Dell for him to receive the Purple Heart Medal. Congressman Womack said, “Staff Sergeant O’Dell answered the call to serve his country, and because of his selfless service and personal courage, he suffered serious bodily harm. For too long, the record did not reflect that measure of devotion and sacrifice. Yet, despite the hardship and frustration that followed, Staff Sergeant O’Dell never lost sight of his commitment to his country or his fellow veterans. No medal can erase the pain of an injury, and no ceremony can fully alleviate the burden carried by those who have seen combat or who have returned home changed by war. But recognition matters, and today, I am exceedingly proud to honor Staff Sergeant O’Dell and to present him with the Purple Heart Medal on behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation.” Details: Retired Army Staff Sergeant George F. O’Dell was born on January 8, 1966, in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating high school in 1984, he relocated to south Florida and enlisted in the United States Army in 1991. SSG(R) O’Dell attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he became a 19D Cavalry Scout. In 1994, he reclassified at Fort McClellan, Alabama, where he became a 95B Military Police Officer. Assigned to the 978 Military Police Company, Fort Bliss, Texas, he deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in support of Operation Vigilant Warrior. After transitioning from active service into the United States Army Reserve in 1995, he reentered active service in 1997, attending training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he became a 91B Combat Medic. In 2008, while assigned to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas, SSG(R) O’Dell was attached to the 10th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Carson, and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF 08-10). While deployed, he served as the Critical Care Noncommissioned Officer-In-Charge. On July 8, 2009, while providing security and overwatch during an Iraqi patient ambulance exchange for transfer to an Iraqi hospital, SSG(R) O’Dell sustained significant injuries when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated approximately 100 meters from his position. In 2013, SSG(R) O’Dell was medically discharged from the Army. SSG(R) O’Dell and his wife Nancy are current residents of Pea Ridge. SSG(R) O’Dellis an active volunteer with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, a life member of Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 8109 Pea Ridge), as well as a member of American Legion Post 341 in Bella Vista. Congressman Steve Womack would like to extend special recognition and thanks to Sheep Dog Impact Assistance for their support and stewardship of the Veterans Wall of Honor. Photo Highlights: Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. womack.house.gov ###