In recent weeks we have all heard examples on the evening news or from our family and friends about the dysfunctional healthcare.gov website. The website is not user-friendly and in many cases just simply does not work. While the ObamaCare website is a problem, we must remember that the problems with government mandated healthcare go much further than technical glitches. Across our country and right here in Missouri, people are losing their current insurance and are seeing their monthly premiums... READ MORE
The United States is home to some 28 million small businesses. Locally owned businesses help tell the uniquely American story of rural communities in our Eighth Congressional District. Many times these businesses become cornerstones and landmarks in small towns, and are proudly passed down from one generation to the next. They represent what can be achieved when an entire family works together to provide a good or service for their community. Saturday, November 30th is Small Business Saturday. O... READ MORE
Our Eighth Congressional District is home to some of the most naturally beautiful areas in the country. We are fortunate to have the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers that provide families with a place to canoe, swim, boat, and fish close to home. The rivers also support numerous small businesses that cater to the needs of visitors who come from far and wide to enjoy the clear waters and natural scenery. In 1964 the National Park Service included the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers in the Ozark Nation... READ MORE
Today, Tuesday, November 12, 2013 Congressman Jason Smith sent a letter to Jonathan Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service expressing his concerns over the draft General Management Plan for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District. In the letter, Smith objected to closing public access points on the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers, eliminating motorized boat traffic in certain areas, restricting boat motor horsepower, closing gravel bars and designati... READ MORE
SALEM, MO – Today, Friday, November 8, 2013 Congressman Jason Smith released the following statements regarding the release of the “Draft General Management Plan” for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District. “Here we go again. First it was the National Blueways System, then it was the Park Service telling us that Baptisms could not be performed without permits, and now we are learning the Park Service wants to close access points on the river, designate ne... READ MORE
Rural communities in Missouri rely heavily on coal-fired energy to power their homes, businesses and farms. In fact, over 80% of Missouri’s power is generated by coal-fired power plants. Missourians and other rural Americans stand to lose when Washington bureaucrats regulate rural energy production instead of creating a responsible national energy policy that works for all Americans. Democrats and Republicans in Congress joined together to reject President Obama’s cap and trade ideas. Now the Pr... READ MORE
Today, Monday, November 4, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith returned his congressional salary from the 16 days of the government shutdown to the United States Treasury. In a letter to the United States House of Representatives Office of Finance, Smith asked that his salary from the shutdown be used towards a reduction in the national debt. “Members of Congress are no better than anyone else. Families across the country faced furloughs because of the shutdown. In Missouri folks don’t get paid until... READ MORE
When I am home in Missouri one of the most frequent complaints I hear about Congress is that its members live under a different set of rules than the rest of America. The idea that Members of Congress should be able to create special exemptions from themselves is not only unfair, it is contrary to the spirit of constitutionalism articulated by the Founding Fathers and reflected in our Constitution. As James Madison wrote in The Federalist No. 57, once it becomes acceptable "to tolerate a law not... READ MORE
Soon senior citizens across our congressional district will be receiving information about Medicare Open Enrollment. During this two month enrollment period, current Medicare beneficiaries can alter their coverage plans and new beneficiaries can sign up for a Medicare plan for the first time. Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15th and closes December 7th. During Open Enrollment, beneficiaries will have the opportunity to: Change to a Medicare Advantage Plan or select a different plan that ... READ MORE
TODAY, Thursday, October 24, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith will tour the Mississippi Lime facility and meet employees. WHO: Congressman Jason Smith WHAT: Tour of Mississippi Lime WHERE: Mississippi Lime, 16147 US Highway 61, Ste. Genevieve, MO WHEN: TODAY, Thursday, October 24, 2013 from 3:30PM-5:30PM ***Members of the media are invited to the tour.*** ### READ MORE
