Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR-03) is a senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, where he chairs the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee. He also sits on the Defense and Financial Services and General Government Subcommittees.
Rep. Womack retired from the Arkansas Army National Guard in 2009 at the rank of colonel after more than 30 years of service. He is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University where he was inducted into the ATU Hall of Distinction in 2014. He is a member of the Arkansas National Guard’s OCS Hall of Fame. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal, and, in 2015, Womack was presented with the Harry S. Truman Award, the highest award given by the National Guard Bureau.
Q: Your leadership as chair of the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee resulted in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which included $68 million for research on sustainable aviation, reducing aircraft noise and promoting increased production and availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). As business aviation moves toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, how important is it to support increased production and use of SAF?
The funding we’ve provided for sustainable aviation research demonstrates our commitment to innovation. But this is only one piece of the puzzle. We must also create a regulatory environment that encourages private sector investment in sustainable fuels development and production. Government funding should be targeted and limited to support industry efforts rather than replace them. We need to ensure that the pursuit of net-zero emissions doesn’t come at the expense of economic growth or place undue burdens on aviation businesses.
“Protecting aviation data privacy, especially regarding ADS-B tracking data for business aviation operators, is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of businesses that rely on general aviation.”
Q: That same appropriations act included language codifying the FAA’s data privacy program. What are your thoughts on the importance of protecting aviation data privacy – specifically regarding the availability of ADS-B tracking data for business aviation operators?
Protecting aviation data privacy, especially regarding ADS-B tracking data for business aviation operators, is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of businesses that rely on general aviation. Codifying these protections in our annual THUD bills was a no-brainer. I welcome further work with stakeholders to refine policies that protect business information and individual privacy while maintaining the safety benefits of ADS-B technology.
“I encourage stakeholders to work with the FAA to streamline regulatory processes for pilot and technician certifications without compromising safety standards.”
Q: As you know, the business aviation community is facing a challenging future when it comes to meeting increasing needs for the industry workforce. One study estimates more than 100,000 business aviation professionals will be needed by 2032, including pilots and maintenance technicians. What more can be done to help bridge the looming gap?
We fully support the FAA’s aviation workforce development programs in our FY25 THUD bill, and I expect we will maintain this funding when we negotiate a conference agreement with the Senate. I encourage business aviation stakeholders to keep Congress engaged in efforts like partnerships between aviation companies and educational institutions to develop training programs. I also encourage stakeholders to work with the FAA to streamline regulatory processes for pilot and technician certifications without compromising safety standards.
“Advanced air mobility technologies are an exciting innovation, and I am committed to doing all I can to support these efforts.”
Q: What are your thoughts on advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft currently under development – including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) passenger air taxis? How is the subcommittee working to support the safe integration of this important new sector?
Advanced air mobility technologies are an exciting innovation, and I am committed to doing all I can to support these efforts. In our fiscal year 2025 THUD bill, we provided full funding for the FAA’s safety and certification programs. This will ensure that the FAA has all the resources it needs to bring these innovative aircraft to market. This funding will also support the FAA’s work to develop a regulatory framework for the safe operation of these aircraft in U.S. airspace. Of course, safety must come first, but we also recognize the economic benefits and job creation opportunities in this sector. I will continue to do all I can to help the U.S. maintain global leadership in aviation innovation, including advanced air mobility.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.