Jason Smith

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Democrats and the Biden administration are purposely targeting and misrepresenting pregnancy centers in their proposed rule and seeking to intimidate States that fund them. Pregnancy resource centers play a vital role to both mothers and fathers, empowering them in their decision to choose life for their baby, by providing realistic alternatives in stark contrast to organizations exclusively focused on abortion. There is no deceit underlying pregnancy centers. They are another option for women who are looking for an alternative to abortion. It is disgraceful that Democrats mischaracterize these organizations in an effort to limit a woman's choice to raise her child. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, President Biden has hidden from the American people his knowledge of and role in his family's overseas business dealings. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence, showing his knowledge and involvement, President Biden still refuses to come clean. So far, two key DOJ witnesses have failed to show for congressionally subpoenaed depositions after DOJ directed them not to appear. Other witnesses have refused to answer certain questions from investigators and the Biden administration has refused to turn over many of the documents requested by Congress, claiming this inquiry was not properly authorized. Let there be no mistake: Today's vote asserts Congress' authority to conduct an impeachment inquiry and gather all the evidence to proceed with our investigation. The American people deserve answers. Here is what we know so far: The existence of multiple email aliases suggest that Joe Biden was deliberately trying to conceal his activities from the public, including one-on-one communications with a key Hunter Biden business partner during his Vice Presidency. We also learned that investigators were blocked from looking into potential campaign finance crimes by the Biden campaign. Hunter Biden had only known Kevin Morris, a Democrat donor, for 2 months before Morris started settling his tax debts to the tune of about $2 million and then spent about $3 million more to cover Hunter's lifestyle. In the midst of the 2020 campaign, just weeks before Super Tuesday primary elections that would decide the future of Joe Biden's candidacy, Morris emailed Hunter Biden's business associates and there was ``considerable risk personally and politically'' to not filing his late taxes, but the only person who faced political risk was Joe Biden, whose campaign the whistleblowers had reason to believe Morris was speaking to. As Members of Congress, we have to abide by campaign finance limits and so must the President. Morris' millions in payments to cover Hunter Biden's taxes and other financial obligations appeared to the whistleblowers to be an illegal donation to the Biden campaign. Unfortunately, they were blocked from investigating further. Time and again, when investigators found a lead that pointed to Joe Biden, DOJ stepped in and prevented them from pursuing it.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, thanks to the evidence released by the whistleblowers, the DOJ indicted Hunter Biden on nine tax charges, including three felonies. Everything the whistleblowers told us about the Hunter Biden tax case has been proven right. I am convinced they are also right about the links to Joe Biden they were prevented from following. Mr. Speaker, Congress owes it to the American people to follow the facts wherever they lead and pass this resolution.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act empowers patients and will lower healthcare costs for millions of Americans. This bipartisan bill has been a collaborative effort, and I thank my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee for their partnership. American families have struggled for far too long to afford the cost of their healthcare. What is worse is they have been unable to anticipate those costs because our current system makes it nearly impossible to figure out the actual price for almost any type of treatment, medicine, drug, or procedure. The legislation before us would ensure timely and accurate details about the cost of care, treatments, and services are available and accessible before a patient goes into the doctor's office or hospital. Hospitals, insurance companies, labs, imaging providers, and others would be required to publicly disclose their prices, creating incentives to lower prices across the board. This bill would increase access to care by combating healthcare consolidation, which reduces options and drives up costs. It also would take an important step to address the soaring costs of prescription drugs by requiring health insurers and PBM middlemen to disclose negotiated drug rebates and discounts. It would ease the financial burden on our seniors, widen access to more affordable generic drugs, and arm employers with vital drug price information. This bill would make important investments in training programs for new doctors to help address the healthcare workforce shortage and further invest in hospitals that serve high Medicaid populations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill to deliver a healthcare system that is more accessible and affordable for the American people.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri on its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1963, the college provides post-secondary education at its campuses in Imperial, Arnold, and Hillsboro, as well as online. Jefferson College offers customized business and industry training, continuing education courses and technical career programs. The college has adapted to the times, working to adjust its educational opportunities as changes occur in the needs of the workplace. More than 27,000 students of all ages have graduated from Jefferson College in its first 60 years. Many have gone on to become community and business leaders, educators, healthcare and technical professionals or law enforcement officers. The university is led by Dr. Dena McCaffrey, its 8th president and under her leadership, JeffCo is poised to continue its successful educational mission through the next 60 years. It is my great pleasure to congratulate Jefferson College on this milestone today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor Dick Cook of Crystal City, Missouri, a legend in high school sports who is being inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. For 49 years, Mr. Cook coached at the high school level--34 of those years at Crystal City. Most of the time, he coached track and field, leading his 1984 and 1989 girls' teams to state championships in Class 2. During his time as coach, Crystal City earned 16 state championships by individuals and relay teams in track. In the 1970s, he started the Jefferson County Jets Track Club, an AAU program that produced athletes who competed in the Big 8 Conference with one reaching the Olympics. He began his career in Poplar Bluff and coached a season at Herculaneum as well. But he spent most of his career in his hometown of Crystal City where he graduated high school in 1956 and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1960. No one could be prouder of his achievements than his wife Mary Ellen, his son Richard, and daughters Mary Beth, Jill, and Amy Jo. I congratulate Coach Cook on his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame this year and I am pleased to share his accomplishments today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Coach Marty Hauck, of Rolla High School in Missouri, on being awarded the 2023 USA Wresting Greco-Roman Developmental Coach of the Year Award. As coach of both men's and women's Rolla High School wrestling teams. His successes extend beyond the high school level as he's been named world championship coach three times by Team USA and remains the coach of the USA U-17 world championship team. Coach Hauck continues to have remarkable success with Rolla High School's wrestling team. The school boasts 48 state qualifiers, 29 state placers. and 4 champions under his leadership. This impressive record is a testament to Coach Hauck's talent, passion, and commitment to inspiring each one of his student-athletes to reach their full potential. Leadership is not just something you do but is a defining characteristic in people. I take great pride in recognizing Coach Hauck's exceptional contributions to the sport of wrestling. both within the community of Rolla and on the world stage. His achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and coaches alike of what it means to be a leader. On behalf of the entire Eighth Congressional District, we thank Coach Hauck for his dedicated service.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sgt Antonio ``Tony'' Mullen, of Rolla, Missouri, on his honorable service and sacrifice in the U.S. Army. Sergeant Mullen is being celebrated by Helping a Hero Organization for his distinguished valor and dedication to the security of our country. Sgt. Mullen grew up in a family of veterans and decided to follow in their footsteps. After the tragic events of 9/11 he joined the US Army in 2003 Tony had a knack for mechanical things and became a heavy/light wheel mechanic. He performed his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and from there he was sent to Korea where he served for a year. After that he was sent back to Missouri for a few months before he was deployed to Iraq. In the army, Sgt. Mullen found the sense of community that he had been searching for but had yet to experience. Sgt. Mullen was deployed to Iraq when his second child was born. He was not able to get home for her birth but was able to stay on the phone during the entire labor and delivery. He named her America; he wanted her to know that he risked his life for his country and would risk it for her forever. In the line of duty, Mullen was deployed to Iraq, where his Forward Operating Base was attacked. He sustained several life-altering injuries while serving his country but never wavered in his love of his country and the brothers he fought beside him. Tony has recently completed work on a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and hopes to become a drug and alcohol counselor for military veterans. Mullen and his wife, Lacy, are the proud parents of 4 children, Darian, America, Dalayla, and Israel. The men and women who defend our Nation will always have my support. On behalf of the entire eighth congressional district, we thank Sgt Antonio ``Tony'' Mullen for his dedicated service to this great Nation.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted: ``yea'' on rollcall No. 325 (Banks Amendment #63 to H.R. 2670), ``yea'' on rollcall No. 326 (Roy Amendment #64 to H.R. 2670), ``nay'' on rollcall No. 327 (On the Motion to Recommit H.R. 2670), and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 328 (Final Passage of H.R. 2670).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 304 (Gaetz Amendment 22 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 305 (Greene Amendment 23 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 306 (Davidson Amendment 24 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 307 (Ogles Amendment 25 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 308 (Roy Amendment 30 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 309 (Roy Amendment 31 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 310 (Crane Amendment 32 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 311 (Norman Amendment 33 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 312 (Norman Amendment 33 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 313 (Norman Amendment 34 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 314 (Boebert Amendment 35 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 315 (Waltz Amendment 41 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 316 (Good Amendment 47 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 317 (Greene Amendment 48 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 318 (Hageman Amendment 49 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 319 (Davidson Amendment 50 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 320 (Davidson on behalf of Roy Amendment 51 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 321 (Gaetz Amendment 52 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 322 (Biggs Amendment 55 to H.R. 2670), ``aye'' on rollcall No. 323 (Perry Amendment 56 to H.R. 2670), and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 324 (Burlison Amendment 62 to H.R. 2670).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Chad Riegel who will retire from the United States Navy on July 1, 2023. I would like to commemorate BU1 Chad Riegel for his incredibly successful career. He is part of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, known as the Navy Seabees. His unit was one of the first to arrive in Afghanistan after 9/11, arriving in October of 2001. They were tasked with building facilities to accommodate follow-on military forces, including camps for military personnel and prisons for al-Qaeda and Taliban forces. Chad has deployed all around the world, traveling to at least 22 countries. He was in active duty from September of 1997 to September of 2002, serving in the NMCB 133 and from November of 2012 to November of 2013, serving in the NMCB 15. He has been serving in reserve duty since September of 2007 in the NMCB 15 and in the Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202. Throughout his service, he went on three tours, one to Bosnia in 1998 and two to Afghanistan, one in 2001 and another in 2013. Chad has received several medals to commemorate his service and dedication, including a National Defense Service Ribbon, a Navy Battle E Ribbon, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 1 bronze star, 2 Army Achievement Medals, a Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 3 bronze stars, a Good Conduct Award, a Humanitarian Service Medal, a M-16 Expert Rifle Qualifier, 2 NATO Medals, a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, an Expert Pistol Shot Medal, a Seabee Combat Warrior Service Medal, and an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 bronze star. Chad and his wife, Jenni are parents to two children, Kaylee and Max. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Chad Riegel's accomplishments and wish him a wonderful retirement spent with his family and those close to him.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Southern Missouri Community Health Center, of West Plains, Missouri, on celebrating its 20th anniversary of service to the Greater West Plains Community and surrounding areas. Since receiving its first patient in February 2003, the Southern Missouri Community Health Center has provided access to excellent quality, affordable medical, dental and mental healthcare to all individuals in need in Howell, Oregon and Ripley counties and the surrounding area. With more than 65 employees, including physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, dental hygienists, and licensed clinical social workers, SMCHC provides service to approximately 9,000 individuals annually. The Southern Missouri Community Health Center is a critical element of the local healthcare system that improves healthcare outcomes by allowing individuals to overcome barriers to healthcare access, and by acting as a front-line response to unexpected crises, such as natural disasters, and emerging healthcare crises. Governed by a patient majority board, the SMCHC ensures that each of its patients are the top priority. The impact of the Southern Missouri Community Health Center stretches far beyond healthcare, as the Center makes a long-lasting positive mark on lives of the members of its community. It is my great pleasure to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Southern Missouri Community Health Center and applaud its hard work and commitment to providing excellent, accessible services to its community.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

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

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Congress is sending a bipartisan message to President Biden today that we will not sit idly by as the administration ignores our constitutional role in developing U.S. trade policy. The relationship between the United States and Taiwan is vital to U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific. This initial trade agreement negotiated by the Biden administration is a good step. It builds on successful provisions that were included in the USMCA that was negotiated by President Trump, and it shows the world that the Chinese Communist Party will not intimidate the United States from deepening our relationship with Taiwan. While Congress supports the early agreement that came from these negotiations, we will not stand by passively as the Biden administration, or any administration, attempts to bind the United States in a trade agreement without approval from Congress. Congress must be in the driver's seat on trade policy, not a passenger along for the ride. Trade impacts every American. When done right, trade can boost small businesses, help American workers, and open up new markets for American farmers. Bad trade policy, on the other hand, can kill American jobs and give other nations unfair advantages over U.S. manufacturers, workers, and agriculture. Every American deserves a voice in the outcome of these negotiations that impact their lives so much, which is why Congress, as their voice in Washington, must be involved in the development and approval of these agreements. The Taiwan trade bill before us today restores congressional authority on trade policy. It celebrates this agreement, but it also makes it clear that it cannot take effect unless this legislation is signed into law. It forces the administration to consult with Congress in a meaningful way moving forward, something that has not occurred to date. It requires any future agreements with Taiwan to be subject to a vote in Congress. Without a vote on trade agreements, Congress can be ignored. This will ensure trade agreements are in the best interest of American workers, families, farmers, and small businesses. This bill has broad bipartisan support in both the House and in the Senate. Democrats and Republicans agree that U.S. trade policy must come through Congress, and the President will no longer be allowed to sidestep our constitutional authority. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for the voice of the American people and vote to pass this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The legislation before us today is an important first step in pushing back against executive overreach on trade. It also reinforces our support for a stronger relationship with our close partner, Taiwan. I appreciate that my colleagues across the aisle agree that protecting Congress' constitutional powers is vital and that allowing any administration to continue unchecked would only dilute the voices of millions of Americans in Washington and embolden the executive branch to step on more of our Article I powers. I am especially appreciative of the strong partnership in this effort of Ranking Member Neal in the House and Senators Wyden and Crapo in the Senate. U.S. trade policy must first and foremost protect American workers, farmers, families, and small businesses. We have a duty today to ensure the American people maintain a say in what those policies look like. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4004) to approve and implement the Agreement between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States regarding Trade between the United States of America and Taiwan, and for other purposes, as amended.

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. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about the Employer Reporting Improvement Act before us today, introduced by my good friends, Ways and Means colleagues, Representatives Adrian Smith and Mike Thompson. This is a straightforward and effective bipartisan solution to provide small businesses with relief from cumbersome Affordable Care Act reporting requirements. Under current law, every year, to determine compliance with ACA requirements, employers have to report to the IRS information about the health insurance coverage they have provided for their employees. As part of that process, employers are required to submit their employee and their spouse or dependents' personal tax identification numbers or Social Security numbers. However, here is the catch: If, during this process, the employer unknowingly submits incorrect information, or if the IRS believes that an employee is wrongfully claiming a premium tax credit, the employer faces a significant financial penalty. Making matters worse, the window of opportunity that employer has to appeal is short, while the statute of limitations on that violation is limitless. On average, the IRS takes anywhere between 18 to 24 months, 2 years, to crunch the numbers on all this data they receive. That means the small business is left in limbo waiting to hear whether the government will find them in violation of the law. The bill before us today gives employers flexibility about what personal information they have to provide on behalf of their employees and their families. It extends the appeal window for any potential violation and establishes a statute of limitations so those small businesses, who have limited resources to begin with, can navigate these waters with less of a burden. I thank my colleagues on both sides of this aisle for supporting this measure to provide relief to our small business job creators. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith), one of the sponsors of this legislation.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 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 am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3801) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to streamline and improve the employer reporting process relating to health insurance coverage and to protect dependent privacy, as amended.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time. Congress has an opportunity to help small businesses by making it easier for those who choose to provide health insurance for their employees. This bill is the best of both worlds for small businesses and workers. It relieves many small businesses of the burden of administering a complex health insurance plan by allowing them to instead offer meaningful financial support to employees so that they can buy their own insurance. It takes some of the guessing game out of offering coverage by making sure small businesses are informed of the various options they have. It gives workers the freedom to choose the best possible coverage for themselves and their families. By passing this legislation, we will allow small businesses to get back to the basics, helping their customers, taking care of their employees, and serving their communities. I want to address the misleading claims we have heard from our Democrat colleagues. At our markup, one of my Democrat colleagues called the health plan options under this bill junk plans. That is unequivocally false. These funds can only be used to purchase plans that cover preexisting conditions. Regardless of what you hear on the other side, this covers plans with preexisting conditions. It covers plans that cap out-of-pocket expenses and guarantees coverage during open enrollment. They also claim that we are opening a backdoor for businesses to discriminate in the health benefits offered to their employees. CHOICE arrangements provide the opposite of discrimination. They provide equal contributions to all employees with the same employment status, only adjusting for age and family size. In fact, many businesses today don't offer health benefits to any of their part-time employees. Through CHOICE arrangements, these employees may be seeing their first offer of meaningful health benefits. Today, we are taking another step forward to cut the bureaucratic red tape holding back small businesses. We should make it easier, not harder, to give America's workers, families, farmers, and small businesses access to flexible healthcare options. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.