Mr. Speaker, U.S. trade policy is a vital tool to protect American businesses and workers, ensure American competitiveness, and achieve our foreign policy objectives. However, smart trade policy, one that puts American workers and businesses first, means nothing if we cannot enforce it. Today, criminal enterprises and bad actors, predominantly based in China, are breaking U.S. trade laws with impunity. This activity is showing up in three ways: financial fraud, counterfeiting, and forced labor.
2026 MidtermsSafe SeatR+20R shift +5$823K raised
Derek Schmidt
Representative · Kansas · Republican
Derek Schmidt
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, you will hear from advocates of Court expansion that the Court is a mere rubber stamp for Trump. This is a Court that defied Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, to deport people without a hearing, to send troops to Chicago, to use emergency powers to impose tariffs, and to revoke birthright citizenship by executive order. Some of my colleagues on both sides may be surprised that I just uttered those words, but those are not my words.
Mr. Speaker, local access to Federal courts is critical to ensuring the rights of the people are protected. Under current law, the Southern District of Texas is divided into seven districts. The Houston Division comprises 13 counties but is only authorized to hold court in Houston. The Southern District of California comprises two counties, and the Court is only authorized to be held in the city of San Diego.
Biography
Derek Schmidt, a former state attorney general, built his career advocating for public safety and consumer protection in Kansas. Elected as U.S. Representative for Kansas in 2024, he prioritizes rural healthcare access, agricultural policy, and safeguarding constitutional rights. Schmidt played a key role in securing federal disaster relief for Kansas farmers and serves on the House Agriculture Committee. Through pragmatic leadership and a focus on practical solutions, he works to ensure Kansans’ voices are heard in Washington.
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2025–PresentRepresented Kansas's 2nd congressional district for 1 term.
Attorney General of Kansas
2011–2023Elected statewide and served three terms as the state's chief legal officer.
State Senator, Kansas 15th District
2001–2011Served in the Kansas Senate, including service as Senate majority leader and chair of the Agriculture Committee.
Senate Majority Leader, Kansas Senate
2004–2011Elected by his colleagues to lead the Republican majority in the Kansas Senate.
Assistant Kansas Attorney General
Served in the Kansas Attorney General's office before his election to the state senate.
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Derek Schmidt's record in Congress.
Consumer Protection
Led efforts to combat robocalls and deceptive telemarketing, securing settlements and increased protections for Kansas consumers.
Opioid Crisis Response
Negotiated Kansas’s participation in multi-state opioid settlements, resulting in millions for addiction treatment and prevention programs.
Human Trafficking Legislation
Championed laws strengthening penalties and support services in Kansas for victims of human trafficking.
Veterans’ Legal Assistance
Established the Kansas Attorney General’s Military and Veterans Legal Assistance Initiative to provide free legal help to veterans.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Small Business
- House Committee on the Judiciary
- House Committee on Armed Services
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