Jason Smith

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic of Uzbekistan as it marks the 35th anniversary of its independence. On August 31, 1991, Uzbekistan declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Each year on September 1, the Uzbek people celebrate that moment with pride. This year's milestone is a testament to how far the country has come in a single generation. Just last week, I had the honor of leading a congressional delegation to Tashkent as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. We met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Chairwoman of the Senate Tanzila Narbayeva, and other senior officials. During our meetings with senior officials and business leaders, we saw a nation that has chosen reform, opened its economy to the world, and welcomed American partnership. The hospitality of the Uzbek people left a lasting impression on every member of our delegation. Thirty-five years ago, the people of Uzbekistan chose freedom. I congratulate President Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan on this historic anniversary, and I look forward to the next 35 years of friendship between our two nations.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly extraordinary achievement by one of Missouri's most dedicated employers--Briggs & Stratton--and to recognize the men and women of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, whose skill, dedication, and hard work have made this moment possible. This past June, the Briggs & Stratton facility in Poplar Bluff achieved a milestone that few manufacturers in American history can claim: the production of its 100 millionth engine. These are the very engines that power lawnmowers and outdoor equipment that families and workers across our nation rely on every single day. Briggs & Stratton is a pillar of the Poplar Bluff community. For nearly four decades, through economic cycles, industry disruptions, and moments of national uncertainty, Briggs & Stratton chose to stay in Poplar Bluff to invest in this community, to employ its residents, and to build something lasting here in the heart of Missouri. The workers of this facility are the true authors of this milestone, with many of them giving decades of their lives to this plant. Look no further than brothers Jerry and Billy Young, who have both dedicated over 30 years of service to this facility. They, alongside so many others who have followed in the footsteps of a parent or relative on these same lines, are the definition of the American worker: skilled, loyal, and proud. The economic impact of this facility on Poplar Bluff and Butler County has been profound. For 37 years, Briggs & Stratton has provided family-sustaining wages, supported local suppliers and businesses, contributed to the tax base that funds schools and infrastructure, and invested in the community that has been its home. This is what a company that believes in the American worker and the American community looks like. American manufacturing is alive, strong, and flourishing in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Briggs & Stratton, its leadership, and above all the dedicated workforce of the Poplar Bluff facility on this remarkable achievement.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise The United Way of St. Francois County for working to help its neighbors in need for 30 years. Established in 1995 as the ``Farmington United Fund,'' the group expanded its reach in 1996 and changed its name. Since then, The United Way of St. Francois County has brought hope and help by funding local agencies that meet basic needs. From food pantries and senior centers to homeless shelters and backpack programs, the United Way has met the most basic human needs of food, shelter, health, education and social welfare services. The United Way raises money through local fundraisers like Derby Day and Dine Out for United Way. The annual bell-ringing campaign brings the community together for more than 900 hours to ring bells at wishing wells throughout the county, drawing attention to the organization's mission and taking donations during the holiday season. This year, The United Way of St. Francois County provided more than $98,000 in grants to 24 local nonprofit groups. Since its founding, the United Way has been governed by a board of community leaders, which now includes its president, Leigh Ragsdale, and Executive Director, Ken Curfman. It is my privilege to congratulate The United Way of St. Francois County as it celebrates 30 years of serving the needs of its neighbors and reflecting the best in community spirit today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. 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. I can't believe that they would possibly want to say that they know better for your livelihood than what you do, but that is what the speakers are saying, and that is why they are opposing this bill. That is a shame. Mr. Speaker, you hear individuals say that it is a risk. The only risk of this bill is simply that my Democratic colleagues can't have 100 percent control over the benefits of veterans who are disabled. This bill allows them to give the opportunity to have the dignity of work and not lose their benefits but to still be able to thrive. We are focused on the success of the individual, not the fact that the government can control your livelihood. Mr. Speaker, I encourage this body to support this great piece of legislation that Mr. Austin Scott has worked on for some time to deliver relief for real Americans, for veterans, and not to the Democratic Party, who wants to control their benefits. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers and am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. 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. That is a gigantic gap between the number of disabled Americans who want to work and the number who successfully return to work. The Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act seeks to shrink that gap by simply restoring the Social Security Administration's authority to test drive solutions that can empower more of our fellow Americans to get back to work. Up until 2022, the SSA had such authority to run demonstration projects on improving work outcomes. With that authority expired and with so many disabled Americans still unable to successfully navigate the current program, we have to find a better way forward. In fact, some of the challenges cited for why so few SSDI beneficiaries successfully return to the workforce are confusing rules of the road for eligibility, that and a fear of overpayments and benefit cliffs. Just so we do not forget why we should be focused on this issue, at a hearing of the Ways and Means Social Security and Work and Welfare Subcommittees in September, we heard from a witness, a former beneficiary, about how the work he found helped give his life real purpose and a different outlook. He was talking about the dignity of work, and that is what this bill will help deliver. Representative Scott has been a long-time--and I would say long-time, tireless champion for Purple Heart veterans. Many of them wish to return to work but cannot afford the severe restrictions placed on their work status. I commend Mr. Scott for expanding his bill to allow the SSA's demonstration authority for so many impacted individuals, including blind Americans. He has identified a commonsense solution and is fighting to see it come to pass, just as it did through the Ways and Means Committee with bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill under consideration.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1438, I call up the bill (H.R. 8884) to amend title II of the Social Security Act to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charlie Dickinson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Vietnam War veteran. Mr. Dickinson was born in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1950, but at age thirteen, he moved to his family's dairy farm in Hartville. Shortly after he graduated high school in 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to Lebanon where he worked at Lowe Boats until his retirement. Mr. Dickinson was a pillar in the Hartville community where he served as a member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church, an avid supporter of Hartville High School sports and academic programs, and an active member of numerous local organizations. He was also a proud third baseman for the community softball team which he joined in the 1970s. Outside of his local community, Mr. Dickinson also dedicated much of his life to serving his fellow veterans through his involvement in organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He consistently advocated for veterans, helped them obtain their service benefits, and would often be found placing flags on hundreds of graves each year to honor the legacy of his fellow soldiers. He was a champion for veterans' rights in not only Jefferson City, but also in Washington, D.C., for which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the VFW. It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Dickinson, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and service to our state and country.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Matthew Gibson Austin of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, an exemplar of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community service whose work has earned recognition at the local, state, and national levels. With a perfect ACT score and an outstanding academic record, he has been admitted to Northwestern University to continue his studies. Active in organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the National Honor Society, Mr. Austin made a lasting contribution to his school and community. He is also a proud Eagle Scout. Matthew's athletic achievements include being named Boys Tennis Athlete of the Year in Southeast Missouri and receiving the 2025 Bank of Missouri Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. Through his exceptional leadership and individual performance, he earned the role of captain of the Notre Dame Regional tennis team. Through the French Honor Society, Matthew helped raise funds to sponsor a child's education in Haiti. He received the Notre Dame Regional Christian Service Award and the Congressional Award Program Gold Medal after volunteering more than 400 hours with local organizations. Mr. Austin's commitment to service reflects a rare combination of compassion and humility. On behalf of the 8th Congressional District of Missouri, I commend Matthew Gibson Austin for his pursuit of excellence, his breadth of achievement, and his dedication to others, which together set a powerful example for students across the Nation.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Colonel Tom Akers of Eminence, Missouri, on his induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor that reflects a lifetime of extraordinary service, achievement, and dedication to our Nation. Born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, Tom Akers exemplifies the values of hard work, perseverance, and patriotism that define our state. After earning his degree in applied mathematics, he served our country with distinction as an officer and pilot in the United States Air Force, demonstrating the leadership and commitment that would become hallmarks of his remarkable career. In 1987, Tom Akers was selected by NASA to join its astronaut corps, beginning a chapter of service that would place him among the pioneers of America's space program. Beyond his accomplishments in orbit, Tom Akers has served as an inspiration to countless young people across Missouri and the Nation. His journey from the small town of Eminence to the frontiers of space demonstrates that determination, education, and service can open doors to extraordinary opportunities. His achievements have brought great pride to the people of Missouri, particularly those in the Ozarks who have followed his career with admiration. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame honors individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact on our Nation's space program, and Tom Akers is unquestionably deserving of this recognition. His dedication to scientific discovery, national service, and the advancement of human spaceflight has earned him a place among the most distinguished astronauts in American history. It is my privilege to recognize Colonel Akers on this significant achievement, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on his induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and in thanking him for his many contributions to our Nation and the state of Missouri.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Army National Guard Colonel and Chief of Intelligence and Security, Mark C. Turner, on his retirement after a remarkable 30-year career in service to his country. A native of Rolla, Missouri, Colonel Turner graduated from Missouri State University in 1996 with a B.S. in Communications. Immediately after graduation, Colonel Turner accepted his first commission as an officer in the United States Army National Guard. Colonel Turner's educational aspirations didn't stop after his commission, and he would go on to earn an MBA from William Woods University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Colonel Turner's first deployment came in December of 2002, when he deployed with the 35th Infantry Division to Bosnia & Herzegovina where he served as the Analysis and Control Element Battle Captain. Colonel Turner had two further deployments in Iraq, where he served as a Tactical Intelligence Officer and as an Intelligence Trainer. Throughout his military career, Colonel Turner held various leadership positions including Company Commander, Brigade Intelligence Officer, Intelligence Systems Branch Chief, Force Integration Chief, Intelligence Programs Division, Battalion Commander, ISR Division Chief and Senior Army National Guard Advisor to HQDA. Finally, since achieving the rank of Colonel in 2021, he has held the position of Chief of Intelligence and Security for the Army National Guard in Arlington, Virginia. Throughout this long and illustrious career, Colonel Turner admirably served his Nation and proudly upheld the core American ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. In recognition of his heroic service, Colonel Turner received numerous commendations including a Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. He also received the distinguished 2022 Knowlton Award from the Military Intelligence Corps Association, recognizing him for his incredible integrity, moral character, professional competence, and leadership. Colonel Turner's career is exemplary of the kind of service all Americans should aspire to. It is my honor and privilege to recognize this great Missourian's sacrifice and heroism. I also recognize and thank Colonel Turner's wife, Carrie, and his daughters, Lauren and Sydney, for their bravery and sacrifice. The price of freedom is high, and no one knows this better than the families of our brave soldiers. I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Colonel Turner on an exemplary and distinguished career and to wish him and his family the best in a very well-deserved retirement.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Bill Feeler of Rolla, Missouri, as he approaches his 100th birthday this August after a lifetime of service to his community and our Nation. Shortly after turning 18, Mr. Feeler was drafted into the Army during the final days of World War II. Following basic training at Fort Knox, he served as a corporal in the Liberation of the Philippines. After the war's end, he was stationed in Japan, where he worked as a driver for an aide to General Douglas MacArthur. For his service, he received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal. After his honorable discharge in 1946, Mr. Feeler returned home to Rolla and resumed work on his family farm, exemplifying humility, dedication, and a deep commitment to hard work. In 1953, he married Ms. Geneva Giesler of Vienna, Missouri, and together they have built a strong family, including children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. Today, he remains active in his community--making birdhouses, tending his garden, supporting Cardinals baseball, and volunteering through his church to deliver meals during the holidays. His advice to others is simple: ``Love your country and be more patriotic.'' It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Feeler's extraordinary life of service, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his example as we approach our Nation's 250th anniversary.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Faune Riggin, one of Southeast Missouri's most beloved voices and a fixture in Cape Girardeau for 25 years. Hosting ``Real Talk with Riggin'' on KZIM KSIM from downtown Cape Girardeau, Ms. Riggin has spoken on issues affecting our community, state, and the entire Nation for the last quarter century, inspiring listeners from the heart of downtown St. Louis down to the Arkansas border. Ms. Riggin's 25-year career on the airwaves has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Missouri Broadcasters Association awards for Best News Feature, Best News Series, and Best Newscast--a testament to the quality and integrity she brought to every broadcast. Her impact, however, extended well beyond the broadcast studio. She was named Media Person of the Year by Special Olympics Missouri, recognizing her long-standing role as the local voice for Special Olympics Southeast Missouri, a cause she championed with heart and dedication year after year. She also received the prestigious Mary Phelan Chiefs of Police Award for her steadfast support of law enforcement, a reflection of the trust and respect she earned from those who protect our communities. As she steps away from the microphone, she leaves behind a legacy of commitment to her community, and I have no doubt that she will continue her advocacy for local heroes, even off the air. Ms. Riggin's last broadcast on June 26, 2026, is the capstone of her inspirational career, one of steadfast character and unflinching honesty. Ms. Riggin is a conservative fighter and an exemplary reflection of the values of Southeast Missouri--much like legendary talk show host Rush Limbaugh--proving that Cape Girardeau has a way of producing voices that will leave a mark long after the mic turns off. It is my privilege to recognize Ms. Faune Riggin for her wonderful career, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Riggin on a remarkable career spent speaking directly to the issues Missourians care about most.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this bill before us today was approved with total support by Ways and Means Republicans and Democrats. The purpose of value-based care is to implement solutions to some of this Nation's most pressing health challenges, including the high cost of care. Digital reporting of quality measures holds the promise of relieving the administrative costs associated with accountable care organizations. However, that potential does not do doctors, patients, or taxpayers any good when the rules and timeline for digital reporting of quality measures are uncertain. Ultimately, this bill keeps medical providers at accountable care organizations focused on providing better healthcare at a lower cost. That eliminates the potential distraction of complying with new digital reporting requirements that are yet to be finalized. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan), the vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act led by Committee on Ways and Means members, the Subcommittee on Health Chairman Vern Buchanan and Representative Jimmy Panetta. As the lead sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Buchanan has been a strong champion for ensuring that our healthcare system is focused on the right outcomes--including improved patient health through chronic disease prevention--rather than Washington paperwork mandates. This bill ensures that complex reporting requirements do not overwhelm healthcare providers or distract them from their primary job, caring for patients. Accountable Care Organizations, or ACOs, are groups of healthcare providers who are responsible for improving patient health and reducing spending through value-based care. More than 500 such ACOs, comprising nearly 700,000 medical providers, cared for over 12 million Medicare beneficiaries just last year. In their 14-year history, ACOs have saved taxpayers $12 billion. ACOs are required to submit data on patient outcomes and operations, known as quality measures, to the Federal Government to track their performance and determine their shared savings. The current system for reporting quality measures is labor intensive. Some ACOs use as many as 15 different electronic health record systems to track and report this data. One health system spent $5.6 million and 100,000 staff hours on reporting in a single year. Digital reporting could ease this burden, while potentially saving $14 billion in national health costs and investing resources in better care. However, the lack of guidance disrupts operations and means digital reporting has yet to lighten the load for many medical providers. This bipartisan bill provides stability for quality measure reporting and flexibility for smaller provider practices. It also establishes a pilot program for digital reporting to determine best practices. This policy is particularly helpful for over 12,000 small, rural, or independent providers who are committed to lowering costs and improving patient outcomes but often lack the sophisticated software needed to comply with the digital reporting regime. Medical providers should not waste precious resources and man-hours on reporting data to Washington bureaucrats when the need for patient care is so great. This bill ensures that ACOs can put quality patient care first. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and submit extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5347) to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure the availability of appropriate collection types for quality reporting under the Medicare Shared Savings Program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I am glad the Committee on Ways and Means was able to come together in bipartisan unity and bring this important piece of legislation to the floor. The American people expect Congress to root out the fraud in the critical social safety net so many rely on, including unemployment insurance. To date, only $6 billion of stolen UI benefits have been recovered. It is shameful that these benefits were stolen from vulnerable Americans in the first place. It will be equally shameful if Congress doesn't pass the bipartisan bill, recover the fraudulent unemployment benefits we know are sitting in banks, and prosecute more fraudsters. I thank all of my colleagues, but especially the leaders of this bill, Representatives Van Duyne and Suozzi, for their leadership in fighting fraud. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Van Duyne).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. 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. According to the Government Accountability Office, between $100 billion to $135 billion in COVID-era unemployment benefits are estimated to have been taken by fraudsters using eligibility loopholes and stolen identities. Of that money, a Department of Labor Inspector General investigation found that nearly $1 billion of fraudulent COVID-era unemployment benefits is currently frozen and being held in financial institutions across the country. At one financial institution, the highest balance on a single card is $76,000. At a second financial institution, it is $56,000. The statute of limitations for prosecuting COVID-era unemployment insurance fraud has already begun to expire, limiting the amount of money law enforcement can return or the number of criminals that they can bring to justice. Time is of the essence to recover the money stolen and rightfully owed to taxpayers. This bipartisan bill establishes a new Federal task force to work with States to return the fraudulent unemployment benefits sitting in banks to American taxpayers. The task force will develop model processes and guidance necessary for States to reclaim funds in a cost-efficient way, issue guidance to financial institutions on the legal path for returning funds, and establish due process protections for claimants whose identity was stolen as part of the crime. Additionally, the bill doubles the statute of limitations for COVID- era unemployment insurance fraud prosecution from 5 to 10 years. As of last year, the Department of Labor reported more than 150,000 open complaints, and the Department of Justice had more than 1,648 open investigations regarding pandemic unemployment fraud. Prosecutors need more time to hold criminals accountable. Every day Congress waits to pass this bill is another day that another fraudster will get away with stealing money that rightfully belongs to taxpayers and individuals in need. The Recover COVID Unemployment Fraud in Banks Act passed 41-0 out of the Ways and Means Committee. This bill has also received the endorsement from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and the Strategic Services on Unemployment and Workers' Compensation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to provide a similar level of support and advance this to the Senate and President Trump's desk. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and submit extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8873) to recover unclaimed pandemic-era unemployment compensation funds held by financial institutions or escheated to State unclaimed property administrators, and for other purposes, as amended.