Mr. Speaker, we have heard some amazing arguments on the floor just now, but one thing that has been crystal clear by the arguments that we have heard in opposition to this bill which helps veterans is simply that the Democratic Party is focused on legislative items that allow them to control Americans. They want to have 100 percent control over the benefits of Americans. They don't even want to give them the opportunity to have the dignity of work. They said it on the floor today.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+55Stable$3.8M raised
Jason Smith
Representative · Missouri · Republican
Jason Smith
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8884, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, introduced by our colleague from Georgia, Representative Austin Scott. Many Americans that are living with disabilities want to enter the workforce and seek gainful employment. In fact, an estimated 60 percent of Americans who receive benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program have stated a desire to return to work. Yet less than 1 percent leave the disability insurance program each year for a job.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Recover COVID Unemployment Fraud in Banks Act led by my Ways and Means colleagues Representative Beth Van Duyne and Representative Tom Suozzi. As the lead sponsor of this legislation, Representative Van Duyne has been shining a spotlight on the fraud epidemic, even from her earliest days serving on the Ways and Means Committee. Unemployment insurance benefits are a target-rich environment for fraudsters.
Biography
Jason Smith grew up working on his family’s farm in rural Missouri, grounding him in the challenges faced by agricultural communities. Elected as U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 8th District in 2013, Smith prioritizes rural development, tax reform, and healthcare accessibility. As Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, he played a central role in advancing legislation to expand rural broadband and reform the federal tax code. Smith’s pragmatic approach centers on amplifying the voices of rural Missourians and strengthening the region’s economic foundation.
Education
- J.D., Oklahoma City University School of Law, Oklahoma City, OK2004
- B.S. in Agricultural Economics and Business Administration, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO2001
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2013–PresentRepresented Missouri's 8th congressional district for 7 terms.
Member, Missouri House of Representatives
2005–2013(Majority Whip, 96th General Assembly
Attorney
Real Estate Agent
Small Business Owner
Farmer (fourth Generation Owner of the Family Farm)
Speaker Pro Tem, 97th General)
Policy Focus
Taxation44%
Health14%
Foreign Trade and International Finance9%
Labor and Employment5%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Jason Smith's record in Congress.
Tax Reform
Helped draft and pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Rural Broadband Expansion
Secured federal funding to expand high-speed internet access in rural Missouri communities.
Agriculture Support
Advocated for increased crop insurance and disaster relief for Missouri farmers in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Healthcare Access
Introduced legislation to improve access to rural healthcare facilities and telemedicine services.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Joint Committee on TaxationVice Chairman
- House Committee on Ways and MeansChair
Rep. Jason Smith FAQ
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