Benton Times

Washington, D.C.—December 20, 2024. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) issued a statement following his vote in favor of the continuing resolution (CR), known as the American Relief Act, 2025. The resolution was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congressman Womack remarked, “We were in this mess because we didn’t complete the appropriations process. I've long advocated for reforming the budget process and returning to regular order. However, I supported the CR because it’s better than the original proposal and better than a government shutdown, which would only harm the American public and kneecap President Trump as he is about to take office."

Womack also expressed support for provisions addressing urgent needs in Arkansas' Third District. He highlighted $122 million allocated for disaster assistance under his Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee's jurisdiction. This funding aims to assist Arkansans recovering from Memorial Day weekend storms. Additionally, resources are provided to aid Arkansas' agriculture sector dealing with crop loss, overregulation, and inflation.

“This package also received my support because it addresses the immediate needs of Third District Arkansans and includes provisions I’ve advocated for," said Womack.

The bill extends government funding through March 14, 2025, along with current farm bill programs until September 30, 2025. It allocates $100 billion in supplemental emergency spending for states affected by natural disasters.

Key allocations include $80 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief funds and $42 million in Highway-Emergency Relief funding specifically for Arkansas. The bill also provides $21 billion for agriculture disaster assistance nationwide and replenishes the Disaster Relief Fund with $29 billion.

An additional $10 billion is designated for economic assistance to farmers facing severe financial losses during the 2024 crop year.

The resolution extends expiring health care programs through March 31, 2025. These include Community Health Centers and other public health initiatives funded by reductions in the Medicare Improvement Fund.

“I hope through a unified government beginning in the new year, Republicans will focus on righting our nation's financial ship and passing full-year appropriations as we advance President Trump's agenda,” added Womack.