Congressman Jason Smith’s taxpayer protection legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. Smith’s legislation will prevent radical liberal groups from taking Missourians’ tax dollars and imposing burdensome government regulations. “There’s a massive loophole called ‘sue and settle’ that’s hurting Missourians, and I’m doing everything I can to fix it,” said Congressman Smith. The wasteful “sue and settle” process occurs when a federal agency accepts a lawsuit from an outside advoc... READ MORE
Congressman Jason Smith authored and passed an amendment this evening by a vote of 225-195 that stops federal highway funds for sanctuary cities. Cities like San Francisco use federal tax dollars to improve their roads, highways and bridges while at the same time breaking U.S. law by protecting all illegal immigrants in their city from deportation. The legislation echoes an earlier executive order by President Trump to cut off federal grants to sanctuary cities by prohibiting all federal transpo... READ MORE
CALEDONIA, MO – On August 29, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith was at Caledonia Vineyard in Washington County to meet with owners Paul and Deanna Redinger about the challenges they face while running their family owned agribusiness and the importance of operations like Caledonia Vineyard to agri-tourism and entertainment in southeast and south central Missouri. Over the summer, the Redinger family hosted a blackberry festival that brought more than 1,700 people to their farm. “Whether it’s pumpkins... READ MORE
SIKESTON, MO – On August 28, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith held a roundtable to discuss the challenges local farmers face as they run their agriculture operations and what they need from the next farm bill. Smith was joined by United States House of Representatives Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13). The roundtable was held in Scott County which has nearly 230,000 acres of farm land and close to 500 agriculture operations. Smith and Davis discussed risk management progra... READ MORE
BOURBON, MO – On August 9, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at Heartland Farms in Crawford County and spoke with owners Jeff and Pam Lock about their concerns over the rising out of pocket costs for their family’s healthcare coverage. The Lock Family owns Heartland Farms where they run an agri-entertainment and agri-tourism operation. The farm serves as a venue for weddings and private events and they run a corn maze and pumpkin patch that is to the public each Fall. Smith’s focus on farms ... READ MORE
MANES, MO – On August 8, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at Dowden Dairy in Wright County to talk with the Dowden Family about the challenges they face while running their family dairy farm. Gene and DaLisa Dowden run the dairy farm with their four children. They shared with Congressman Smith that they were concerned about regulations that would put small family farms out of business. Congressman Smith talked about one regulation that he found to be particularly harmful, stating that there... READ MORE
MOUNTAIN GROVE, MO – On August 8, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at the Springhill Pumpkin Patch to talk with owner Duncan Smith about the challenges he faces as he runs his family farm in Texas County. Duncan shared with Congressman Smith that he used to be a dairy farmer, but after being burdened with too many regulations, decided to stop his dairy business, raise sheep and venture into the pumpkin patch agribusiness. Congressman Smith talked about one regulation that he found to be par... READ MORE
WASOLA, MO – On August 8, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at The Concrete Works in Ozark County to see firsthand what this unique agribusiness produces. Owners Sean and Cleta Sweeney founded The Concrete Works in 1990 and operate four distinct businesses on their property – mining, organic farming, cement and machinery. At The Concrete Works, they primarily produce storm shelters and cattle feeders and have hired several local FFA students. “The Concrete Works is an excellent example of th... READ MORE
WEST PLAINS, MO – On August 8, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at Ozark Regional Stock Yards in Howell County to see firsthand how this local agribusiness and small employer impacts the West Plains community. Owner Randy Hoover opened Ozark Regional Stock Yards in 1983 and now sells cattle in a 100-mile radius. “Ozark Regional Stock Yards is a big economic driver for the West Plains area,” said Congressman Smith. “It’s exciting to see folks coming from all over to buy and sell cattle for t... READ MORE
KOSHKONONG, MO – On August 3, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at the Trickling Springs Creamery as part of his 5th annual focus on farms and talked with them about issues they face in running their business. Trickling Springs Creamery processes 2,000 gallons of milk per day and has 43 employees. They make cheese, frozen and drinkable yogurt. One of the things the creamery struggles with is the cost of shipping and receiving. “Trickling Springs’ costs for shipping and receiving could be red... READ MORE