Some of my fondest memories growing up were of my family and I spending time together hunting and fishing. On the opening day of trout season, it wasn’t about what we caught, but it was about spending that time together, and for us that was at beautiful Montauk State Park. For many people across the country, hunting and fishing is more than just a recreational activity; it has become a way of life. The people in Southeast and South central Missouri are fortunate to be situated next to the beauti... READ MORE
Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed two amendments authored by Representative Jason Smith (MO-08) to preserve the ability of Missourians to freely hunt and fish in the Mark Twain National Forest and other public lands. During passage of H.R. 2406, the Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act, the U.S. House voted to adopt language offered by Representative Smith on the House Floor which prevents the National Forest Service from physically blocking or locking any a... READ MORE
This week, yet again, President Obama has unveiled a plan that fails to keep the folks of Missouri safe. Not only does Obama’s plan to close The Guantanamo Detention Center put the national security of our nation in jeopardy, it is against the law. The unlawful closing of Guantanamo would make it possible for some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists to be housed on American soil – some at facilities that sit on our own Missouri borders. It simply does not make sense to bring these detainees... READ MORE
Today Representative Smith and his colleagues on the Ways & Means Committee requested that the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) conduct an investigation and report on the factors effecting the global competitiveness of the U.S. aluminum industry, including overproduction & subsidies in other countries. Smith is specifically concerned that in 2000 there were 22 Aluminum smelters in the U.S., and there are now less than 5. In that same time period China’s share of worldwide aluminum smelt... READ MORE
Sadly, as you may have seen, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia passed away last week at the age of 79. As a law student, Justice Scalia helped shape how I analyze laws. Scalia represented the best qualities of a Supreme Court Justice—he was fiercely intelligent, a passionate defender of the Constitution, and a man of uncompromising principle. He interpreted the Constitution from the perspective of the Founding Father’s intentions, and never reinterpreted the Constitution to serve political ne... READ MORE
Whether it’s your business, your farm or your family, there is one constant responsibility which holds true – you simply can’t spend more than you take in. Continually running a deficit would require the doors of your business to close, your farm to stop producing, and the house your family lives in to be seized by creditors. Unfortunately that same fundamental concept of the balancing of budgets eludes this White House. Faced with a tumbling stock market, GDP growth slowing to less than 1% per ... READ MORE
Today Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) praised the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan passage of H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. H.R. 644 was first passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in December 2015 by a vote of 256-158. The Senate passed the bill today by a vote of 75 to 20. The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act fosters economic growth to allow businesses to thrive in the 21st Century global economy by stepping up enforcement of trade agreements, s... READ MORE
As the son of a preacher, faith has always been at the center of my life. This week, along with numerous of my U.S. House & Senate colleagues, I attended the National Prayer Breakfast. A tradition dating back over 60 years, the National Prayer Breakfast serves as an opportunity for elected officials and religious leaders to come together and talk about the role faith, religion, and God has in all of our lives. Several of the messages this year focused on perseverance, overcoming the difficult ob... READ MORE
On Thursday, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-8) welcomed Bishop Ron Webb to Washington D.C. for the 64th Annual National Prayer Breakfast. Bishop Webb currently serves as the pastor of Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church in Poplar Bluff, MO. “Bishop Webb is an instrument of faith in southeast Missouri. For over 30 years, Bishop Webb has been a true leader for many Christians in Poplar Bluff and across the country,” said Congressman Smith. “It was an honor to have him as my guest to the National Prayer Br... READ MORE
STE. GENEVIEVE, MO--Congressman Jason Smith visited Valle Catholic School in Ste. Genevieve today to speak with middle school and high school students. Congressman Smith took questions from students on several different topics ranging from the presidential race, new laws he is working on in Washington and worldwide current events. “Often times I hear from students that what happens in our nation’s capital doesn't affect them,” said Smith. “These visits are important because it is a chance for me... READ MORE
