This week was “Sunshine Week,” where hundreds of organizations, civic groups, and schools around the country held events to educate the public and advocate for transparency in government. If we truly are to have a government “of, by, and for the people,” we must be open and honest about how the people’s business is being conducted. In the spirit of Sunshine Week, I want to shine a light on the lack of transparency which has taken place over the first few months of 2019 in the U.S. House of Repre... READ MORE
This week Democrat leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives voted on H.R. 1, the “For the People Act,” their signature legislation this Congress. Speaker Pelosi said her goal is to clean up elections and “restore integrity” to government, but H.R. 1 makes our elections vulnerable to fraud, violates the Constitution, and injects taxpayer funds into political campaigns. Unfortunately, H.R. 1 isn’t for the people at all, but for the politicians and political consultants who will profit and stay... READ MORE
WASHINGTON – Rep. Jason Smith (MO-08) and Rep. Mark Meadows (NC-11), Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, blasted Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat-controlled Rules Committee today for preventing their amendment to H.R. 1, the For the People Act, from receiving a vote. The simple amendment would require Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to verify the citizenship of any person who would be automatically registered to vote under H.R. 1. “Speaker Pelosi said H.R. 1 was about cl... READ MORE
Newly elected radicals in the U.S. House of Representatives say the world will end in twelve years unless we pass their “Green New Deal.” Candidates for President have lined up to endorse the plan, which would completely overhaul our entire economy and ban affordable energy options. They say the climate is “our World War II,” but their plan is a war on working families and the American economy. What blows me away about the Green New Deal is how unbelievably unrealistic it is. Their plan calls fo... READ MORE
This week FFA students and chapters around the country participated in National FFA week and celebrated FFA’s impact in our schools, communities, and our farms. FFA is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States and it’s about much more than growing crops and raising animals; it’s about growing leaders. More than 25,000 young Missourians wear the FFA’s famous National Blue corduroy jacket with Corn Gold lettering. It’s a tradition that dates back to the 1933 FFA Convention in Kan... READ MORE
President Trump agreed to reopen the government three weeks ago and gave Congress the opportunity to finally address the security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Unfortunately, the solution Congress came up with this week fell short of securing the border and was wholly inadequate to provide for the safety of American citizens. When I was digging into the details of the spending bill, I found numerous landmines that I couldn’t support. The ‘agreement’ contained just over $1 billi... READ MORE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) introduced H.R. 217, the Permanent Tax Relief for Working Families Act, to make permanent the new Child Tax Credit established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which he coauthored as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means. “Becoming a parent is the most important job a mother or father will ever have, but our tax code could do a better job of supporting working families,” said Congressman Smith. “In the last ye... READ MORE
This weekend Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) donated pay from the 35-day government shutdown to the Parkland Hope Center, a non-profit which helps working families afford groceries and everyday household items at a discounted price. “I gave up pay during the 35-day government shutdown for one simple reason: If your government isn’t open for business, then your elected officials shouldn’t get paid,” said Congressman Smith. “I’m happy that something bad that happened in Washington – the shutdown –... READ MORE
This week I was incredibly honored to be asked to escort the President of the United States into the U.S. House Chamber to address a Joint Session of Congress and update American citizens on the strength of their country. I was amazed that in the moments just before walking in to give his speech to the country, President Trump leaned over to me and remarked how much he enjoyed spending time with Missourians over the past year and can’t wait to come back. We then walked onto the House Floor, and ... READ MORE
WASHINGTON – This week Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the Fairness for Every Driver Act to save billions of taxpayer dollars by eliminating the tax credit for high-end electric vehicles. The legislation would help fund new infrastructure projects by requiring users of alternative fuel vehicles to contribute to improving the nation’s roads and bridges. Currently the electric vehicle tax credit rewards buyers of electric vehicles with up to $7,500 in ta... READ MORE
