Rep. Womack named vice chair of a House Appropriations subcommittee

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, continues his service in the House this year with a new appointment, a sign of the 3rd District congressman's ever increasing seniority in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

Womack was appointed Wednesday (Jan. 29) as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. The appoint was made by House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers, a Kentucky Republican. Womack's appointment means he would serve as chair of the subcommittee in the absence of subcommittee Chairman Jack Kingston of Georgia, as well as assisting him with official committee duties.

Rogers said Womack's appointment would help the Appropriations Committee complete its work on the 2015 budget "on time and in regular order."

"It won't be an easy task, and the committee's vice chairmen will play an integral role in the successful completion of the appropriations process.  I’m glad to welcome Steve to this group.  He is a responsible, pragmatic leader who is committed to doing what's best for our country and his district.  His no-nonsense demeanor will undoubtedly serve him well as vice chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee," Rogers said.

Serving as vice chairman of what is known as Labor-H will give Womack a voice in "funding for and oversight of federal programs that impact every single American."

"But in this time of limited resources and as we work to successfully address our nation’s spending problem, the thorough evaluation of these programs – programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, education, and Social Security – is essential to ensuring their sustainability and efficiency.  As this subcommittee’s vice chairman, I am honored to be given this responsibility and challenge,” Womack said.

Womack is seeking a third term in the House this year. He previously served as mayor of Rogers.