SALEM, MO – Today, August 22, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith announced the Park Service has reversed course and will no longer require permits for Baptisms on riverways in the Ozark National Forest. Since 2006, the Park Service has required permits for riverway baptisms."Today's decision by the Park Service is a victory for common sense. The notion that permits would be required for baptisms on our riverways is ridiculous," said Smith. "I appreciate Superintendent Bill Black's quick response to m... READ MORE
SALEM, MO – Today, August 21, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith sent a letter to Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Bill Black seeking answers on news that the Ozark National Scenic Riverways will now require a permit and 48-hour notice before baptisms can occur in riverways.“Federal agencies are truly out of control. First they try to regulate children working on their family farms and now they are trying to regulate Baptisms,” said Smith. “I am going to fight these rogue Washington age... READ MORE
Today, Thursday, August 15, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith announced the schedule for his Farm Tour. The Farm Tour will start on Monday, August 19 and will run through Friday, August 23. “Agriculture is the number one industry in our Eighth Congressional District and it is essential to the health of our rural economy. Our district is also one of the most diverse agriculture districts in the country growing everything except sugar and citrus fruits. During the weeklong tour I will be in 11 counti... READ MORE
Today, Tuesday, August 6, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) announced the formation of a Veterans Advisory Council to advise on issues important to veterans. Smith and his staff will work with members of the Veterans Advisory Council to get feedback on issues with the Veterans Administration and as new policy is being crafted that will impact veterans living in Missouri’s 8th District. “Honoring our veteran’s service is a top priority for me. I formed this Veteran’s Advisory Council to be a... READ MORE
Today, the House of Representatives passed an amendment from Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), that would require congressional oversight for burdensome regulations enacted from President Obama’s healthcare mandate, the Affordable Care Act. Smith’s amendment received broad bipartisan support and passed the House with a vote of 227 to 185. “From the beginning, the only part of President Obama’s healthcare law that has been bipartisan is the bipartisan opposition to this costly and burdensome mand... READ MORE
On Monday, July 29, 2013, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power will hold an oversight field hearing in West Plains, Missouri titled “Stopping Federal Land and Water Grabs: Protecting Property Rights from Washington, DC Edicts.”The field hearing was requested by Congressman Billy Long (MO-7) and Congressman Jason Smith (MO-8). The hearing will examine the National Blueways Secretarial Order that was signed by Secretary Salazar in 2012. Congressmen Long and Smith will be jo... READ MORE
U.S. Representative Jason Smith (MO-8) and U.S. Representative Billy Long (MO-7) today announced the House Natural Resources Committee will conduct a field hearing in West Plains, Missouri, on Monday, July 29th, to learn how the National Blueways System designation was initially imposed on the White River watershed in Missouri and Arkansas and how future designations can be prevented.The July 29th hearing will be titled, Stopping Federal Land and Water Grabs: Protecting Property Rights from Was... READ MORE
Last week the Department of the Interior withdrew the National Blueway designation for the White River. In the wake of this move by the department, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-8) and Congressman Billy Long (MO-7) are seeking a hearing of the Natural Resources Committee to learn how the National Blueways System designation was initially imposed on the White River watershed in Missouri and how future designations can be prevented. In a letter to Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (... READ MORE
TOMORROW, Friday, July 12, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house reception at his Cape Girardeau office. The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce will host the ribbon cutting and Congressman Smith and his staff will be on hand to meet constituents. The ribbon cutting and open house are open to the public.WHO: Congressman Jason Smith, Cape Girardeau Chamber of CommerceWHAT: Cape Girardeau office ribbon cutting and open house receptionWHERE: Congressman Ja... READ MORE
Today, Congressman Jason Smith announced the Department of the Interior has rescinded the National Blueways Designation for the White River watershed in Missouri and Arkansas. The decision was made after citizens in Missouri and Arkansas voiced opposition, and, after lawmakers like Smith pressured the Interior Department to rescind the designation.In a June 13, 2013 letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, Smith expressed concern over the lack of local input for the Blueways Designation and a... READ MORE
