This Week

Had a blast visiting with the Kimmerly, Ford, and Hackett families! Thanks for coming by my office.

This week was an extremely busy one in our nation’s capital. Before Congress could officially gavel out of the 112^th Congress, we had to pass legislation to avert the statutory increase in tax rates – known as the “fiscal cliff” – effective at midnight on December 31, 2012.

On Tuesday, January 1, the House passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (H.R. 8) by a vote of 257-167. Among other things, H.R. 8 permanently reduced tax rates for 99 percent of Americans, lowered the estate tax from 55 percent to 40 percent, increased the exemption level for the estate tax to $5 million, and addressed the Alternative Minimum Tax which, to this point, threatened middle-class families with much higher tax bills.

I recognize there is considerable frustration among many Americans with H.R. 8, and I share that sentiment. Most troubling is the fact that this deal did not extend all of the Bush tax cuts and failed to address America’s most pressing issue – spending and our $16.4 trillion debt. While Congress could have stood its ground and gone over the "fiscal cliff," I simply could not justify being responsible for the largest tax hike in American history and punishing the vast majority of Arkansans because of the President's intransigence.

Presiding over the House floor on January 1, 2013.

But the discussion on spending is far from over. With the tax rate issue solved, as Congress begins to debate the debt ceiling which was reached December 31, 2012, the sequester replacement, and funding the government for the remainder of 2013, the President must quit digging his heals in and come to the table on spending.

This vote was the final legislative act of the 112^th Congress. In all, the House of Representatives took 1,608 roll call votes from 2011-2012, and I am proud to report that I did not miss a single one. I take the responsibility of representing the Third District of Arkansas very seriously and am proud to be one of six members to achieve this. I recognize that I am extremely blessed to hold this office, to have my constituent’s trust, and that nothing has prevented me from casting my vote. 

Speaker Boehner administering the oath of office to members of the 113th Congress in the Hall of the House of Representatives on January 3, 2013. (Photo by Bryant Avondoglio)

The first legislative business of the 113^th Congress was passing legislation to assist Superstorm Sandy disaster release efforts. On Friday, January 4, 2013 the House passed H.R. 41 by a vote of 354-67. H.R. 41 amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to temporarily increase the borrowing authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

On Thursday, the 113^th Congress commenced, and after re-electing Representative John Boehner of Ohio to serve as speaker of the House, I was officially sworn in for my second term. 

As we wrap up this first week of a new Congress and a new year, I am reminded of how truly grateful I am to continue to work on behalf of the Third District as a member of the United States House of Representatives. America faces many challenges today, and, during the 113^th Congress, I will remain committed to passing real reforms to reduce the size, scope, and spending of our government and to bringing a taste of our District’s rich history of entrepreneurialism and private-sector economic growth to Washington.

Best wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and blessed 2013. 

From the Front...

Congressman Steve Womack
Arkansas Third District