U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark. from Springdale, ended one of the longest active voting streaks in Congress this week after leaving Washington, D.C., to care for a family member facing a serious medical issue.
Womack, who represents Arkansas’ 3rd Congressional District, had never missed a vote since taking office in January 2011. Entering this week, he had cast more than 8,800 consecutive votes, a streak that stretched nearly 15 years and stood as one of the most consistent voting records in the U.S. House of Representatives.
But as the House prepared for votes Monday evening, Womack was not on the House floor or in his Rayburn Building office. Instead, he was back home with family.
“After almost fifteen years with a perfect voting record, I am sad to report that my streak will end today,” Womack said in a statement Monday. “I am dealing with a family member’s serious medical issue that requires my presence at home.”
According to his office, the House clerk recorded 8,823 consecutive votes from Womack between January 2011 and Monday — beginning with routine organizational votes to establish a quorum and elect then-Rep. John Boehner of Ohio as Speaker.
Despite the end of the streak, Womack’s office emphasized that his focus remains on serving constituents while prioritizing his family during a difficult time.
