A new year and a new Congress are just around the corner. Nancy Pelosi will become Speaker next week, and its uncertain if she’ll want to work with President Trump on common ground for the American people, or if she will use her power to obstruct the president and fight him on behalf of her friends running for president. Despite the uncertainty in Congress, I closed 2018 how I have spent much of the year – meeting with folks in southern Missouri and holding public forums so I can hear thoughts a... READ MORE
No matter how you spend the holidays, I hope this Christmas season brings peace and goodwill into your life. Inspired by the perfect savior given to imperfect people, many will find the ‘Christmas Spirit’ in their hearts and take care of the needy, volunteer at food shelters, sing Christmas carols to their neighbors, attend religious services, and find ways to spread cheer into the world. All of the acts of kindness and generosity around the world remind me that the child born in Bethlehem has t... READ MORE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thursday the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Student Empowerment Act, authored by Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) and Senator Ted Cruz (TX), to expand the use of 529 College Savings Plans to allow families to save for K-12 education expenses. Eligible expenses would include tuition, books and instructional materials, tutoring expenses, fees for exams related to college admissions, and educational therapy for students with disabilities. Additionally, the Student Empowe... READ MORE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) introduced H.R. 7253, the Remove Extraneous Measures that Obstruct Value and Efficiency (REMOVE) Act, designed to improve the Medicare program to benefit seniors. “For too long, Washington has inundated hospitals and health care providers seeing Medicare patients with ineffective and non-essential red tape,” said Congressman Smith. “It’s time we move away from this failing approach and allow doctors to spend more time with their patien... READ MORE
American security is bigger than petty politics. In a televised Oval Office meeting with President Trump this week, both Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer admitted that the country needs stronger border security. So why are they fighting him on one-tenth of one-percent of government spending for border security? Terrorists, drug smugglers, human traffickers, and criminal gang members don’t target their victims based on political party. The 10 terrorists per day prevented by the Department of Homela... READ MORE
This week the United States laid to rest a president who served the country he loved in more capacities than could ever be expected of one man. We commemorated and celebrated the life of a war hero, Congressman, Ambassador, CIA Director, Vice President, and President of the United States. This week we said goodbye to President George H.W. Bush. Following the news of President Bush’s peaceful passing at the age of 94, Air Force One embarked on ‘Special Air Mission 41’ to carry President Bush’s ca... READ MORE
America is a nation of immigrants. Historically, millions of persecuted and afflicted people around the world have found refuge and safe haven on American soil. But America is a nation of laws, and our generosity is being taken advantage of and our rule of law undermined. The caravan in Mexico is flagrantly disrespecting our laws and sovereignty, and tolerating it would be unfair to the people who want to enter our country the right way – legally and by swearing an oath to our Constitution. This... READ MORE
Starting something new can be challenging and intimidating, but when it’s a small business the stakes are high with your entire livelihood on the line. With this Saturday being Small Business Saturday and November being National Entrepreneurship Month, I want to take the opportunity to celebrate these job creators. The entrepreneurs who take the risk to start a business or a farm, armed only with fresh ideas and hard work, drive the economy and embody the best of the American spirit. When most p... READ MORE
In a few short days it will be Thanksgiving in America and family members will be traveling home, there will be turkey on the table, games around the house, and football on the television. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays – not just because of the incredible food and traditions – but because of the chance to gather with close friends and loved ones and reflect on all of life’s blessings. When President George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide day of Thanksgiving, he said, “…i... READ MORE
This Sunday, November 11th is the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, which marks the official end of World War I. Today we call the anniversary celebration Veterans’ Day, but the meaning is the same – a day where our country expresses its sincere gratitude for everything our nation’s veterans have done to defend us at home and protect our way of life. Every veteran has sacrificed for you and me in one way or another. It’s not just the physical sacrifice they endure in a grueling bootcamp, a tou... READ MORE
