As your voice in the halls of Congress, one of the obligations I take most seriously is taking care of our veterans. The brave men and women of our Armed Forces who volunteer to protect our freedoms deserve not only our respect, but also action from Congress that shows true appreciation for their sacrifices. Shortly before Christmas, Congress passed a budget compromise bill that contained a provision that will reduce the cost-of-living increases for retired military personnel under the age of 62... READ MORE
Today, Congressman Jason Smith renewed his opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) on new power plants that will be included in the Federal Register today. The new standards will limit emissions from new power plants and have the potential to raise Missourians electric rates. These rules are specifically targeted at the coal-fired power plants relied on throughout Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District where over 80% of electricity is genera... READ MORE
Today, Congressman Jason Smith, Senator Claire McCaskill, Senator Roy Blunt and Congresswoman Ann Wagner announced the National Park Service has agreed to postpone three public comment meetings concerning the draft general management plan for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR). Smith, McCaskill, Blunt and Wagner wrote a letter to Russell Runge, the Acting Superintendent for the ONSR, asking for the public comment meetings to be postponed due to severe weather conditions. The letter read... READ MORE
Today, Congressman Jason Smith announced the Interior Department has decided to end further designation under the National Blueways System. The announcement comes after months of continuous pressure from Smith and property rights advocates to end the controversial land designation. Smith has strongly opposed the National Blueways designation for the White River Watershed in Missouri and Arkansas because the designation did not have local support. In July, Smith brought a congressional field hea... READ MORE
America’s veterans make tremendous sacrifices to defend our liberties and freedoms. Recently, I had the honor of cosponsoring HR 685, the American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal Act to recognize America’s Fighter Aces. This legislation ensures that Fighter Aces, 51 of whom are from Missouri, will forever be distinguished for their valuable contribution to our War efforts in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. To be a Fighter Ace, an individual must shoot down five enemy planes ... READ MORE
As 2013 comes to a close, now is the time to look toward 2014 and the challenges ahead. Some people make resolutions at the start of the New Year, some set goals. For my part, I see five key goals for the upcoming year: 1. During my time as your voice in the halls of Congress, I have been shocked by the extraordinary power federal agencies like the IRS and EPA have to create rules and regulations. Many of President Obama’s policies are too extreme to be supported by Congress and the President ha... READ MORE
Last week the House of Representatives voted on a budget compromise that set spending levels for the next two years. While I believe Congress must pass a budget, I ultimately could not support this compromise plan that immediately raises new revenues without giving immediate attention to Washington’s spending addiction and our massive national debt. Leaders in Washington need to realize what families in Missouri already know: Congress has a serious spending problem. Only in Washington would the ... READ MORE
Since being sworn into office as your voice in the halls of Congress this past June, I have experienced many frustrations working in Washington. Most upsetting is the unwillingness of Senate leaders to consider common sense bills passed by the House. In fact, less than 25% of the bills that we pass in the House have been signed into law. National news personalities like to refer to Congress as a “do-nothing” body. The truth is, Senate leaders have refused to take up 148 of the 189 bills the Hous... READ MORE
Today, Thursday, December 12, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-8) released the following statement in regards to his opposition of the Ryan-Murray budget compromise. "While I appreciate the time and effort that went into crafting this budget deal, I ultimately cannot support this plan because it increases spending without guaranteed deficit reduction measures. Simply put this agreement raises revenue and spends more money." said Smith. "I would much rather see the automatic spending cuts from t... READ MORE
"A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." - Second Amendment, The Constitution of United States When I was sworn into office to represent Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District in the House of Representatives, I took an oath to uphold the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. The federal government should not compromise the ability of decent Americans to own a gun for protection... READ MORE
