Eric Schmitt is a U.S. Senator from Missouri, having assumed office on January 3, 2023. Born on June 20, 1975, in Bridgeton, Missouri, he graduated from De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis in 1993 and earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Truman State University in 1997. Schmitt received his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2000. His political career includes serving as an alderman in Glendale, Missouri, from 2005 to 2008, as a member of the Missouri State Senate from 2009 to 2017, and as the Missouri State Treasurer from 2017 to 2019. After serving as Missouri's Attorney General from 2019 until his election to the Senate, Schmitt has found a prominent position in federal politics. He also chairs the Joint Economic Committee in the U.S. Senate.
In the Senate, Schmitt's legislative activities indicate a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and law enforcement. He has co-sponsored the Balanced Budget Accountability Act (SB6) which aims to enforce penalties on Congress members if a balanced budget is not achieved, underscoring a serious approach to U.S. fiscal management necessary for long-term economic stability. Additionally, he sponsored the Public Safety Free Speech Act (SB1247), designed to protect the speech rights of public safety officials, reflecting a dedication to both law enforcement and civil liberties.
Schmitt's personal political stance can be characterized as conservative, aligning with typical Republican values emphasizing fiscal responsibility, national security, and a strong stance on law enforcement. His recent legislative efforts include the Protection of Higher Education from the Chinese Communist Party Act (SB108), aimed at reinforcing national security by regulating educational exchanges with China, thus revealing an inclination to address perceived foreign threats to the U.S..
Schmitt also actively engages in international relations through the Stand with Israel Act (SB5303), a bill that aims to restrict U.S. contributions to international organizations that act against Israel, which aligns with his broader conservative approach to U.S. foreign policy.
In addition to his legislative work, Schmitt's committee assignments further reflect his areas of focus, as he serves on several key committees including Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. These roles provide him with a platform to influence important matters including technology, transportation regulations, and national security policy.
On a personal note, Schmitt is a lawyer by profession and a family man. His personal and professional experiences greatly inform his legislative work and approach to public service, as he continues to focus on issues critical to his constituents in Missouri.