Jason Smith

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the songwriters of Jason Aldean's hit song ``Try That in a Small Town.'' Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace created a song that deeply resonated with millions of Americans, highlighting the all-American spirit of patriotism and resilience found in small town USA. When ``Try That in a Small Town'' was released in 2023, the song made waves across the country, eventually reaching No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. At a moment when division and hate seemed to dominate discourse, this song sparked conversations about American patriotism when we need it most. Thrasher, Allison, Kennedy, and Lovelace used their storytelling talents to bring people together across generations. Beyond the success of this single song, Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace have each built careers that have left a true mark on modern country music. Their music has climbed charts and become an integral part of the all-American way of life. More importantly, each of them brings a deep appreciation for honest storytelling that captures the voices and values of our great Nation. Together, these four songwriters embody the heart of American patriotism. Their collaboration on ``Try That in a Small Town'' reflects the same integrity and passion that define this country. Their songwriting embodies what country music does best--tell the truth about who rural communities are and what we stand for.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and its special connection to Rolla, Missouri. Known as ``The Mother Road,'' Route 66 has long been central to Rolla's identity as a transportation hub, strengthened by its location between St. Louis and Springfield. Route 66 was first paved through Rolla in 1928, earning the city the distinction of being the ``Inaugural City'' of the final pavement project. Originally running through downtown, Route 66 brought new life to the area through increased commerce and tourism. As automobile travel expanded in the 1940s, the route became a symbol of American prosperity, fueling significant economic growth in Rolla as new businesses emerged to serve travelers. Though Route 66 was eventually replaced by Interstate 44, portions of the original roadway remain in Rolla and across the country, preserving this historic landmark for future generations. Today, Rolla proudly celebrates its Route 66 heritage through preserved historic areas, local attractions, and community events like the annual Route 66 Summerfest. In recognition of this milestone, the Mayor of Rolla has proclaimed 2026 the ``Route 66 Centennial Year,'' honoring the city's longstanding role along the route. It is my privilege to recognize the enduring connection between Route 66 and the City of Rolla, and I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating this iconic piece of American history.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, waste, fraud, and abuse have no place in our government and certainly no place in programs meant to provide critical assistance to our Nation's most vulnerable. The Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act is a targeted and timely piece of legislation that protects the American taxpayers' hard- earned money and ensures that resources get to families who are truly in need of our help. I appreciate my Ways and Means Committee colleagues for the time, attention, and work that they have contributed to this reform effort, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Miller).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bean).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, before I yield to the gentleman from Ohio, I just have to say that it is reckless to say on this floor that someone has stolen anything when they have never been criminally charged for anything. That is very, very bad for any Member of Congress to say that to a regular, everyday American who has never been charged with anything. Democrats should be ashamed. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Carey).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Illinois.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), the chair of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8872, the Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act, introduced by my Ways and Means Committee colleague Representative Mike Carey. With an annual price tag of over $16 billion, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program is a sizable investment and plays a critical support role for families who have fallen on hard times. A core tenet of the program is promoting self-sufficiency through work, a goal I know many of us see as a cornerstone of a successful welfare system. Unfortunately, right now, there are major weaknesses in the TANF program that make it ripe for waste, fraud, and abuse. Despite the billions of dollars flowing through TANF, it is one of the few Federal programs we have that is not required to account for improper payments. Additionally, investigations and reporting conducted by the Government Accountability Office found that the 78 percent of TANF spending that goes toward non-assistance activities lacks guardrails to prevent abuse and misuse of these Federal resources. With instances of fraud occurring at an alarming rate across multiple government programs at the Federal, State, and local levels, Congress must act. That is why the Ways and Means Committee has held hearings and conducted critical oversight to determine what solutions will protect taxpayers and the families who should be benefiting from programs like TANF. The Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act is a straightforward piece of legislation that addresses four key areas of concern, reflecting priorities of four members of the Ways and Means Committee. The lead sponsor of this bill, Representative Carey, has fought to keep States from sitting on TANF funds while families struggle. Right now, States are holding on to nearly $8 billion in funds because there are no spending deadlines holding them accountable. This legislation requires that States spend down their TANF funds within a 3-year window. Representative Arrington, the chairman of the House Budget Committee who is a leader in the fight to rein in waste, fraud, and abuse in government, has championed a provision within this bill that finally requires the Federal Government to track and report instances of improper payments. This reporting is crucial to ensuring that policymakers and the American people know if tax dollars are being spent as advertised. With her understanding of how States often repurpose TANF funds to cover unrelated gaps in State budgets, Representative Tenney has worked to ensure States only use Federal TANF resources to supplement, not replace, State and local spending. Thanks to the leadership of Representative Adrian Smith, who has worked to ensure TANF funding is actually going to those truly in need of assistance, this bill includes a provision that establishes an income threshold of 200 percent of the Federal poverty line, which is $62,000 for a family of four, to ensure States are targeting TANF spending to give more to those who are truly in need. These policies defend against the abuse and misuse of taxpayer dollars and improve the integrity of the TANF program to better support those it was created to serve. I am grateful for the leadership of the members of the Ways and Means Committee who have made weeding out waste, fraud, and abuse in our Federal welfare programs a priority. 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 1333, I call up the bill (H.R. 8872) to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to target funds to low-income families, strengthen program integrity guardrails for State expenditure of funds, require measurement of improper payments, and establish goals for eliminating fraud and improper payments under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, every taxpayer deserves the right to dispute IRS actions taken against them. We have a judicial system in place that exists to protect that right. Unfortunately, as the system stands today, the IRS can circumvent taxpayer rights, abandon judicial review, and impose penalties on individuals who will have no real way to challenge what the government claims. Due process must be protected for all Americans, particularly for those who are facing down a powerful government agency like the IRS. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, and 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 Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Moran), 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. 6506, the Taxpayer Due Process Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by my Ways and Means colleagues, Representatives Nathaniel Moran and Terri Sewell. A recent Supreme Court decision will make it more difficult for American taxpayers to challenge the IRS in court when the agency seeks to impose levies over an alleged tax liability. Right now, the taxpayer can lose the opportunity to dispute the agency's actions simply by procedural technicalities. This bill enhances taxpayer rights by making collection proceedings more taxpayer-friendly. By protecting deadlines, safeguarding refunds, and ensuring fair judicial review, these changes are all for the benefit of the taxpayer. Mr. Speaker, as a former county judge, Representative Moran is leading the charge through this legislation to restore taxpayer rights and ensure that Americans can have their day in court. 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 this bill under consideration.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6506) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to suspend the period of limitations on filing a claim for credit or refund during collection action proceedings, to prohibit the crediting of overpayments against disputed tax liability during such proceedings, and to expand the jurisdiction of the Tax Court, as amended.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, aging out is not a plan. Every young person who has experienced foster care deserves a real shot at the American Dream, and they should not be left without any support at a very vulnerable time. I am very proud of the years of work that went into this legislation: from all the Members of the Ways and Means Committee; from Mr. Davis, who has shown his passion and love for the foster youth; to Darin LaHood, the chair of the Work and Welfare Subcommittee; and all the different Members who had different pieces of legislation within this one bill. The Fostering the Future Act is built on the direct feedback of foster youth, caregivers, and community organizations on the ground. The stories we heard at our roundtable with our First Lady and at committee hearings from courageous leaders like Seth, Kimberley, Jaydan, and Jocelyn were the key drivers behind these successful reforms. I also applaud the First Lady for her relentless focus on advocating for the most vulnerable and propelling these reforms forward. This entire effort earned the endorsement of over 150 national, State, and local organizations, alongside hundreds of foster youth and caregivers. It passed the Ways and Means Committee with a unanimous, bipartisan vote. Supporting our foster youth is not a partisan issue. It is an American responsibility. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Carey).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Moran).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Miller).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Yakym).