Next week marks the start of one of my favorite annual traditions, the 8th Congressional District Farm Tour. In southeast and south central Missouri we know agriculture is at the heart of not only our economy, but our communities, and our families. The early mornings, late days, and stress associated with mother nature and volatile markets are something everyone is familiar with. But, that way of life also brings many of us together, it helps strengthen the bond of our communities, and teaches t... READ MORE
The Time to Fight Back Here we are again. News of another terrorist attack abroad is rocking us here at home. 1 month after Orlando, 4 months after Brussels, 7 months after San Bernardino, 8 months after the last Paris attacks – the list sadly goes on. Something has to change. Clearly the current response to strengthening terrorist networks emerging around the world is not working. The top responsibility of your federal government is to provide for safety, security and protection of the American... READ MORE
Congressman Jason Smith Capitol Report Facts Matter July 8, 2016 As Americans we are proud of our country and always sensitive when tragedy strikes one of our communities. We band together, believe in prayer, and are often generous with financial contributions to help rebuild. And, often when tragedies do strike we instantly ask - "how did this happen?" It's a natural reaction when we obviously care for one another, but it also leads us to seek the truth and factual information about the situat... READ MORE
We celebrate our nation's Independence Day with fireworks, parades, picnics and performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Americans across our great nation use this day to celebrate how fortunate we all are to live in a free country and they do so in a way which brings together family, friends and communities. The good folks in Oran have been celebrating the Fourth of July for 53 years now with their annual picnic which features an antique tractor display, music, games, and according to former... READ MORE
‘Words have meaning’ and ‘actions have consequences,’ those are two sayings or quips that many of us have heard before. However, I can tell you when it comes to the U.S. Constitution and the expected conduct of elected Representatives. I believe these two phrases are absolutely essential to characterizing our form of democracy. Unfortunately, I am ashamed of the events in our nation’s capital this week, when liberal Democrats orchestrated a sit-in on the House floor meant as a publicity stunt to... READ MORE
Disbelief, horror, devastation, sorrow. As we saw the images and news unfold from Orlando, Florida this week it was hard not to feel some of these emotions. For me, I wanted answers, but I understand we don’t always have the answers, and the answers given by those in Washington, DC often trying to rally partisans are hard to accept. However, it is hard to find a reasonable answer when someone so consumed by hate believes the murder of defenseless party goers, those out to dinner, or people takin... READ MORE
We all have those moments that stick with us, maybe it was an achievement, a tragedy, overcoming a fear, or coming to a realization. I had one of those moments 36 months ago when a big number was staring me in the face. It was 285, and it was the one looking back at me from the bathroom scale. Month after month of traveling hundreds of miles every day all across Missouri’s 8th Congressional district while running in the Special Election, I was the opposite of a picture of health. The floor of my... READ MORE
Nobody likes a bully. We ask our public schools not to tolerate bullying and we teach our children to stand up for what is right in the face of intimidation. Yet President Obama is acting like a bully when it comes to the recent directive to public schools across this country regarding sexual identity. Much like a bully, President Obama threatened the use of force and intimidation over federal support dollars for public schools if his way, his ideology, is not followed, adhered to, and implement... READ MORE
Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer. The temperatures are rising, school is winding down for many and the smell of backyard barbecues as the sun goes down is starting to fill the air. Memorial Day is also one of my favorite times to drive around our district and see so many American flags placed on houses, businesses, and in yards. In a united display of patriotism it is a symbol of how much we love our country. Many of us look at this long weekend as a chance to slow down, get togeth... READ MORE
