US Representative

Jason Smith

Biography

Born on June 16, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri, this representative was raised in a farming family and graduated from Salem High School in 1998. He continued his education with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri in 2001 and later obtained a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2004. His professional background includes practicing law and running farming operations, providing him with firsthand experience of the legislative impact on rural and agricultural communities.

Elected as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives in 2013, he moved into federal office following a special election to succeed Jo Ann Emerson. Since that time, he has been reelected multiple times, demonstrating strong support within his district. As a member of the House, he has taken on prominent roles, including Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means in the 118th and 119th Congresses, as well as Chair of the Joint Committee on Taxation. These leadership roles highlight his influence on significant aspects of fiscal policy.

In terms of legislative priorities, this representative has sponsored and co-sponsored a variety of bills that reflect a focus on taxation, healthcare, and regulatory matters. Notable legislation includes the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act (HB1156) aimed at extending the statute of limitations for fraud cases related to unemployment insurance programs under COVID-19. This bill has received widespread attention due to its implications for accountability in government aid programs.

Another key proposal is the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023 (HB485), which seeks to prohibit federal health programs from using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in determining coverage and reimbursement policies. This legislative effort emphasizes the representative's commitment to equitable healthcare access for all, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled.

Though many bills he supports align with a way of promoting business interests—such as the Defending American Jobs and Investment Act (HB591), which addresses U.S. companies' competitive fairness against foreign tax measures—he also advocates for the protection of consumer interests and regulatory reform. His sponsorship of bills such as the United States-Taiwan Tax Agreement Authorization Act (HB33), which seeks to streamline tax relations between the U.S. and Taiwan, reflects a strategic approach to enhancing international trade.

The representative's political leanings can be characterized as fiscally conservative with a focus on deregulation and free-market principles. His commitment to repealing the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes in the Death Tax Repeal Act (HB1301) further illustrates his position aimed at reducing the financial burden on families. Conversely, his involvement in healthcare and consumer protection legislation suggests a balanced approach that seeks to align economic growth with social responsibility.

In addition to his professional life, the representative's roots in agriculture and law influence his dedication to advocating for policies that support farming communities and ensure fair legal practices. Family ties and community engagement are crucial aspects of his identity, though specific personal details are not extensively publicly available. This combination of professional experience and local roots positions him as an advocate for both economic development and the welfare of his constituents.