WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.), along with dozens of his Republican colleagues, recently sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin demanding answers from the Pentagon regarding the impact of the Biden administration’s military COVID-19 vaccine mandate on the readiness of America’s Armed Forces. “Between training, deployments, and the other responsibilities that come with military service, the last thing our nation’s heroes – and the families who support them – should ha... READ MORE
The United States is the greatest country on the face of the earth because we join the brilliance of liberty with the incentive of opportunity. However, this combination of prosperity is not a guarantee. It was President Reagan who reminded us that, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” We have remained the envy of the world because ever since... READ MORE
When I was a freshman in high school, I was summoned before my local city council over their objections to my FFA project. Their inflexible position forced my family to make a tough decision: if I wanted to keep my project operating—which is ultimately how I paid my way through college—my family and I would be forced to leave town. After multiple attempts to change the city’s mind, we moved outside the city limits. After my experience, I wanted to make sure the government did not intrude on othe... READ MORE
Every year, we promise to never forget. We recall where we were and what we were feeling on September 11, 2001. I remember being in law school at Oklahoma City University and knowing immediately the world would never be the same. But too often we fail to remember the totality of loss. As I pause and reflect this week, I think about the thousands of lives that were changed forever: we lost 2,977 souls on that fateful day. The victims were passengers and crew, businessmen and businesswomen, milita... READ MORE
In the middle of celebrating the most patriotic week of the year, a celebration of our American independence, the birth of our Democracy, and the rights of the individual over the State, we were reminded yet again that some choose to ignore the hard-fought history of our great nation and be ashamed of it instead of honor the values we, as Americans, stand for around the world. First it was the names of our mascots, the namesakes of our schools, the monuments in our parks, and now our flag. The ... READ MORE
The red, white, and blue American flag is a symbol known all over the world for American independence, bravery, and sovereignty. For 242 years, the stars and stripes have represented the United States and our American values all over the world. June 14th is not only President Trump and the Army’s shared birthday, but also National Flag Day – a time to celebrate our beautiful flag and why so many hold it close to their hearts. After declaring independence from Great Britain, one of the first orde... READ MORE
The men and women of the United States military make up the most elite, advanced fighting force the world has ever seen and have never shied away from perilous odds or dangerous conditions. U.S. troops have placed their lives on the line every day to keep our country safe and liberate entire continents from evil. Freedom doesn’t come free and those troops, their families, and our country has paid a heavy price. This week marks the 75th anniversary of Allied Forces storming the beaches of Normand... READ MORE
Each year I have the distinct privilege of nominating bright students in southern Missouri to attend our nation’s prestigious service academies. One of the highlights of my year is calling these young men and women in the spring and being the first to tell them they are among the few selected in the highly competitive application process. It’s an incredible accomplishment to be appointed to an academy, but then begins the real challenge of intense physical, mental, and military training at our ... READ MORE
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) is seeking applications for nomination to the United States service academies for the Fall of 2020. Individuals interested in a nomination to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy should submit applications no later than October 31, 2019. “A highlight of my year is the opportunity to nominate students in southern Missouri to attend the service academies and beco... READ MORE
In the deadliest battles of war, American troops have rushed toward danger and risked their lives to fight for our country and protect their fellow service men and women. This week on March 25th we celebrate National Medal of Honor Day and the brave servicemembers who earned the United States military’s top honor. Medal of Honor recipients have served our country with dignity and valor, and a number of these heroes have called southern Missouri home. Awarded by Congress and presented by the Pres... READ MORE
