Jason Smith

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, this is very important. We shouldn't be surprised. Democrats have introduced Articles of Impeachment against five out of our last six Republican Presidents. They are the party of impeachment. The Democrats are the party of impeachment.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I come from a State that raises corn and cotton, cockleburs and Democrats. Your frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from the Show Me State. You have to show me. The only thing that you all have shown so far is that you are about to impeach a duly elected President who has done nothing wrong. Democrats are not impeaching the President because they are scared for our republic or that he has committed a crime; they are impeaching him because they fear the President's policies and how well they are working for the American people. Most of all, they fear the election, because they know they can't beat him. In fact, one of my Democrat colleagues is quoted as stating: ``I am concerned if we don't impeach him, he will get reelected.'' This kind of rhetoric is disgusting. Impeachment is not a political weapon, and any Member who votes for impeachment should be ashamed today. You cannot undo the results of the 2016 election simply because your flawed candidate did not win. And I thank God she didn't. Over the last 3 years, unemployment has dropped to the lowest point in generations, we are seeing better trade agreements with our trading partners, and record numbers of taxes and regulations that stifle economic growth have been rolled back, all thanks to President Trump's leadership and commitment.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend House Resolution 767 to provide for 12 hours of debate equally divided by the majority and the minority, which would allow each Member of the House at least 1\2/3\ minutes of debate, as opposed to currently 50 seconds. The people's representatives deserve the right of more than 50 seconds to be heard in this important matter.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of journalist Mark Bliss, who is retiring after a 40-year, distinguished career in journalism, which included over 30 years spent reporting for our local paper the Southeast Missourian. For my whole life--literally--Mark has been a stoic reporter of news both local and national, and our community has been made better off by his work. I was fortunate to work with Mark as he reported on politics in Missouri and Washington, DC. He accompanied me to many farm visits and trips to local businesses, and I knew to expect his call when issues affecting our country arose. At every meeting, his sharp thinking and dogged determination to find the best story for his readers was apparent, and he challenged me to work harder, ask more questions, and match his incredible tenacity and enthusiasm for the people around us. Before he ever shook my hand or typed my name in one of his columns, however, I, and many in our community, knew him intimately. He tempered his no-nonsense reporting of the news with a tender, emotional, humorous weekly column titled ``Mark My Word,'' which touched on topics including politics, business, family, and food--in one word: life. He introduced himself to readers at the same time as he informed them about the goings-on of their town, state, and world. Mark's reporting is a perfect example of why a healthy, local press is essential to the flourishing of any community. Because of Mark's natural inquisitiveness and wealth of historical knowledge, his columns put events in context and made them matter to his community. He not only reported on current events but understood them, and he was able to report the news in a way that helped his readers understand them as well. At a time when it felt as if a different local paper was closing every other month, Mark reminded us of what local news could and should be--and why it is so important to support these vital organizations. For this reason and many others, I am sad to see him retire, but I am thankful for the long record of service he leaves behind.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a longtime friend and mentor, Bob May, on his numerous achievements and contributions to our community, the State of Missouri, and our extraordinary country. Originally from Champaign, Illinois, Bob joined the United States Navy in 1953, where he served four years as an Electricians Mate on a U.S. Atlantic Fleet Destroyer. After his stint with the U.S. Navy, Bob began his career with the United States Forest Service. In 1973, Bob accepted a position with the Rolla District Rangers, relocating to Missouri. After twenty- eight years of employment with the USFS, Bob retired from federal service and turned his focus to representing his community at the state level. Bob was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, serving from 2001 to 2008. It was during this time that our paths first crossed. He gave me my first job in government as a legislative intern in Jefferson City where I saw firsthand how he always placed people over politics. Bob has been married to his loving wife Carlene for over 64 years. He and Carlene have been active members of the First Presbyterian Church since they moved to Rolla and he now serves as an Elder and is involved in the church in countless ways. Bob is the former President of the United Way and is also a founding member of the Community Partnership and the Rolla Public Schools Partnership in Education Committee. In addition, Bob is active in the Rolla Optimist Club, American Legion Post 270, Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 281, the Missouri Veterans Home Assistance League, and Prevention Consultants of Missouri. Following the passing of their 24-year-old son, Pat, after a battle with cancer, Bob and Carlene became active with Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved families of deceased children. Bob has had a profound impact on my life and I will always have the utmost respect for his political understanding, polite courage, and unwavering dedication to service. It is truly an honor to know this amazing person and call him a friend. I am privileged today to recognize Bob May before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Old McKendree Chapel in Jackson, Missouri on the occasion of its bicentennial. The Old McKendree Chapel was built in 1819 and held their first services on September 14th, a year and a half before Missouri was granted statehood. The chapel was constructed by Methodist pioneers, who had been meeting at the site since 1809. It was named for the circuit-riding preacher, William McKendree, who visited the congregation in 1818. McKendree went on to become the first native-born bishop of the Methodist Church in the United States. The chapel was actively used until 1888. By the 1920s, the chapel was in disrepair and faced the threat of demolition. Through the efforts of Rev. William Stewart, then pastor of New McKendree Church in Jackson, the historic chapel was saved. Restoration was completed in 1933 and the McKendree Chapel Memorial Association was founded to preserve the landmark for the enjoyment of future generations. Today the chapel continues to serve as a holy place in the community. It is a national Methodist shrine visited by families from across the country each year. For its contributions to the Jackson community and its place in Missouri history, it is my great pleasure to celebrate the Old McKendree Chapel today before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the city of Oran in Scott County, MO on its 150th anniversary. The city of Oran, founded on July 16, 1869, was originally dubbed ``St. Cloud'' for the French town outside of Paris. The city was known to locals as ``The Land of the Watermelon.'' After some debate in the community and the opening of a new post office in 1882, the city officially decided on the name Oran. Captain Ward L. Smith, a retired sailor, selected the name Oran in honor of the second most important city in Algeria, which he had visited during his time in the Navy. Oran is a North African word for lion and is historically associated with the Berber legend of ``the Mountain of Lions.'' Traditions are a staple in Oran. Over the years, the city has hosted fall festivals, town celebrations, and picnics. Its most famous tradition is the Fourth of July picnic, which dates to 1908. Since its inception, the picnic has been celebrated annually except for a three- year break during World War II. The picnic features a multitude of activities for families and a firework show. The celebrations attract people from all walks of life each year. Today, the city maintains its familiar farm town character, even with a growing population of over 1,300 residents. It is a charming community with a noteworthy history in the agricultural development of the Bootheel and of family values. It is my great pleasure to celebrate Oran today on the occasion of its sesquicentennial birthday before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Big River Chautauqua, celebrating its 25th year in Bonne Terre, Missouri. It's the longest-running privately-funded Chautauqua west of the Mississippi River. Named for Chautauqua Lake where the first event was held in New York in the mid-1920's, the Big River Chautauqua has been designated by the Missouri Humanities Council as an outstanding example of interactive learning. It's held in a big white tent outside city hall and since 1995, Chautauqua has brought together hundreds of people to see history come to life each night. Scholar-Actors have told tales of the Founding Fathers; great authors and showmen; and heroes, heroines and outlaws of the Old West. Appreciative audiences have seen Civil War generals and Anything-But-Civil Politicians who told their life stories in the first person. Founded by Joe Layden and Sherry Greminger, the entire event is organized, planned and led by volunteers. That includes the Chautauqua Singers who set each character in their time of life by singing the songs of the era they lived. And all the entertainment is free. Community Spirit is the foundation of Chautauqua and the secret to its success. It is my great pleasure to celebrate the Big River Chautauqua of Bonne Terre, Missouri today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Village of Caledonia in Washington County, Mo. Caledonia was established in 1819 when Alexander Craighead named the village after his native Scotland and built a home there that still stands today. Caledonia is Latin for Scotland. Caledonia was officially organized as an incorporated village on November 6, 1874 and the first appointed mayor was Alexander C. Relfe, son of Congressman James H. Relfe. The little town was home to history in our country's expansion west of the Mississippi. The first Presbyterian Church, the first Masonic Lodge, and the second Methodist Church west of the river are all located in the village. Its first two businesses were Tom Sloan's blacksmith and Fergus Sloan's brewery. Caledonia was also home to the Bellevue Collegiate Institute that operated from 1864 until 1902. One of its first presidents, Willard Duncan Vandiver, went on to become a U.S. Congressman and is credited with coining the phrase, ``I'm from Missouri--you'll have to show me!'' The Village of Caledonia was designated in 1984 by the Department of the Interior as a Place of Historical Designation. Today, Caledonia is a quaint little village of shops, eateries and places to stay that has kept this charming community of 130 people thriving in the 21st century. It is my great pleasure to celebrate Caledonia today on the occasion of its bicentennial birthday before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ellington High School Whippets who made school history May 31, 2019 when they won the Class 2 Missouri State Baseball Championship. The team achieved its year-long goal as they claimed their final victory of the season, playing a nearly perfect game to shut out Seymour with a score of 9-0. From a leadoff ground-rule double to the final out of the game, all of Ellington was behind the team. The championship is the first ever for any Southern Reynolds County High School team in any sport. I applaud the Whippets for their winning season record of 29 and 1. Congratulations to Reece Bourma, Cameron Brewer, Dilon Buckner, Kaleb Richards, Garret Morris, Ely Crocker, Carson McNail, Josh Buford, Cody Graves, John Heady, Mike Bass, Dalton Buckner, Will Copeland, Nolan Heady, Trevor Copeland, Logan Loyd, Garrett Tucker, Tucker Dement, Tyler Hackworth, Gage Marler, Evan Weaver, Coaches Jake Hime, Scott Henfling and Jordan Simms and Managers Abbi Harper and Bailee Hunter. It is my great privilege to recognize the Ellington High School Whippets as the 2019 Class 2 Missouri State Championship Baseball team today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Greentree Christian Church (GCC)--in Rolla, Missouri. The church has grown from a few to 2,000 members over the course of its existence. It is a rare occasion for a church to reach its sesquicentennial milestone and can only happen when a church is unfaltering in carrying out God's work. Although it was not yet called GCC, this church took root in 1869, the same year President Ulysses S. Grant took office, and was located on the farmland of Harvey and Charles Drennon near Blues Lake. These men, along with ``Aunt Fanny'' were the first members of the church. Over the next 132 years, the church, later known as First Christian Church, met in several locations, most notably at the corner of 8th and Main, which housed the services for the better part of its history. During this time, the building was twice destroyed by fire and once by tornado. Despite this, the church persevered, rebuilding after each crisis and continuing to grow. In 1991, the church built a facility at 10th and Greentree Road that housed Greentree Learning and Childcare Center. A decade later, construction was completed on a large expansion of that facility, and the congregation began meeting in what is now the church gymnasium. In 2011, after another large expansion, the church began meeting in the sanctuary, where it meets today, and was renamed Greentree Christian Church. Over the years, this church has seen many pastors come and go. Current Senior Minister Tim Cook has been there since 1982 and is retiring this June. It seems fitting that the church's longest-serving minister would get to witness this rare milestone. Mr. Cook, I congratulate you on your upcoming retirement and thank you and the members of your congregation for your service to GCC, the Rolla Community, and the whole church body at large. It is my honor to acknowledge this historic birthday today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the city of Greenville, Missouri as it celebrates its 200th anniversary. Greenville's history can be traced as far back as 1541 when the De Soto Expedition explored the upper reaches of the St. Francis River. In 1819, the city was laid out by David Logan and Elijah Bettis, Jr. in a cornfield in the area known as Bettis Ford. Greenville is the seat of Wayne County and was named for the Ohio town where General Anthony Wayne signed a treaty with Native Americans. In the Civil War, the town was the scene of the ``Surprise on Greenville'' when Confederate soldiers captured the Union encampment and took away horses, guns and supplies in 1862. In the decades since, Greenville has grown as churches, schools and businesses were established and some of them are still in operation today. Floods and fires have forced the city to band together to rebuild and it is that community spirit that keeps Greenville thriving today. It is my great pleasure to celebrate Greenville, Missouri as it begins its second century today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chair, today I rise in support of my amendment which would demonstrate the environmental benefits of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, as well as show the cost of delaying passage of this agreement. USMCA is groundbreaking in more ways than one. It will create thousands of U.S. jobs, improve our economy, increase U.S. agriculture exports, and reduce our trade deficits with Mexico. Thanks to President Trump, this trade agreement is also a great achievement for the environment. USMCA brings all environmental provisions into the core of the agreement, which means that they can be fully enforced. The agreement contains the first-of-its-kind language on improving air quality as well as appropriate procedures for environmental impact assessments. The agreement takes a commonsense approach by creating a partnership between the U.S. and two of its most important trade allies toward a unified goal of improving the environment. Importantly, the agreement also maintains each country's sovereignty over their own laws. This will create more environmental benefits than anything offered by my friends across the aisle who, so far, have only come up with eradicating U.S. agriculture, eliminating cows, and eliminating air travel. My amendment would direct the EPA to use these funds to produce reports that would demonstrate the environmental improvements that we are not benefiting from every day this agreement is not in effect. This way, the American people can see firsthand what the cost of delay truly is. Just yesterday, Mexico voted overwhelmingly to ratify this agreement. Canada is moving forward as well. It is time for Democrats to decide what is worse for them: giving President Trump a win or allowing the U.S. to remain in an outdated trade agreement that is not up to the standards we hold today. USMCA is a great agreement for the American people, and it is time to vote. I urge a ``yes'' vote on my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about a broken agreement and a missed opportunity to help families save for their children's education. In April, the Ways and Means Committee marked up this bill in a very bipartisan manner. We heard ideas from both sides of the aisle to help Americans save for the future and their retirements. Like all good negotiations, there was give and take. No side got everything they wanted, but we reached an agreement where we could pass the bill unanimously. In short, this is how the American people expect their government to work. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, it became clear that this agreement was not in good faith. At the last minute, Democrats decided to undermine our bipartisan work on the Ways and Means Committee and stripped out an issue many Republicans feel strongly about: helping families afford everyday K-12 education costs. Expanding 529 education savings accounts to cover common K-12 expenses would help all families save for their children's education and their unique needs, no matter where they attend school, whether it is public school, private school, religious school, homeschool, and so on. Madam Speaker, I want to know, what is so controversial about helping families afford educational therapies for students with disabilities? What is so controversial about making it easier to pay for tutoring, books, and standardized testing fees? This is a missed opportunity to help families afford education costs no matter where they send their children to school, and it is a shame that partisan politics is getting in the way of helping families everywhere.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because it has been 35 days since the deadline for Congress to pass a budget, but the majority party has done nothing. The American people's government has no plan to rein in spending, while Members of this body are proposing trillions of dollars in new spending. Families in Missouri live within their means and balance their books every day, and they expect their government to do the same, which is why it is troubling that Members are advocating for the Green New Deal and a government takeover of healthcare without any way to pay for it. To pay for just these two items alone, we would have to take every penny from every American household, and we would still come up $20 trillion short. This is why the majority has failed to put forth a budget, because there is simply no way to pay for these wild ideas. Mr. Speaker, a budget is the primary responsibility of governing, which is why I serve on the Budget Committee. The Speaker of the House likes to say that a budget is a statement of your values, so what does it say about their party?

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Patricia Morris, the Honoree for the ``Daughters of Sunset'', a nonprofit community service organization in Sikeston, Missouri, as they celebrate their 35th Anniversary. Mrs. Morris is the owner and director of Keidra's Caring Center, a day program for the elderly and disabled, serving Sikeston, MO and Caruthersville, MO. Prior to her work in the field of Adult Care Services, she worked as a Youth Specialist, helping at risk adolescents become successful members of society. Mrs. Morris is an active member of her church, the Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she is the Choir Director. She is also a member of the CBC Willing Working Women Auxiliary and the Pastor Aide Auxiliary. Mrs. Morris is a graduate of Charleston High School and Southeast Missouri State University, where she received a Medical Assistant Certificate. She and her husband, Michael, are the proud parents of two daughters. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, it is my great privilege to congratulate Mrs. Patricia Morris on her recognition by the ``Daughters of Sunset'' for a lifetime of service.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sesquicentennial of Eminence, Missouri. Located in Shannon County, Eminence began as a small settlement along the Current River near Round Spring. In 1868, after the courthouse was burned in the Civil War, it was determined the town and county seat should be moved to a more centrally-located area. County Judges Alfred Deatherage, Thomas J. Chilton, and William Mahan commissioned William S. Chilton to find the new location. Utilizing the help of his brother, Thomas J. Chilton, they moved the town to its current location. The early structures in Eminence were constructed out of log and plain lumber. The first businesses in town, a saloon, store, and post office, were constructed by Colonel Thomas Freeman and A.J.P. Deatherage. Today, Eminence is known for its canoeing, trail riding, hunting, fishing, and camping. It is also the home of former astronaut Tom Akers, a veteran of four space shuttle missions and former Principal of Eminence High School. The people of Eminence have shown their resiliency through the years by overcoming fires, floods, and other obstacles. This resiliency has made Eminence what it is today. It is my honor to acknowledge this historic birthday before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the sesquicentennial birthday of Willow Springs, Missouri. Located in Howell County, Willow Springs sits at the intersections of U.S. Hwy 63 and U.S. Hwy 60, making it the hub of the Ozarks. On March 29, 1869, the Willow Springs Post Office was established. The post office was located at the general store of Mr. James Harris, a Union veteran of the Civil War. The town remained small until the development of the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis railroads in the 1880s. The railroad stimulated commerce and brought new businesses and people to the area who were interested in taking part in the expansion. It is my privilege to acknowledge this historic birthday before the United States House of Representatives and to honor the people of Willow Springs, Missouri as they partake in this yearlong celebration.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Thayer Lady Bobcats Basketball team for winning the Class 2 State Championship on March 9, 2019, the first women's basketball state championship in school history. In his third year, Coach Cecil Meyer led the team to an overall record of 30-3, winning the last 14 games of the year. The Lady Bobcats were full of talented players, notably All-State Seniors Julie Stone and Angela Sorrell along with South Central All-Conference members, Shelby Coursey and Maddy Kerely. The Lady Bobcats swept through the postseason on their way to a 52- 35 win over Mid-Buchanan High School in the championship game, capping the historic run. Their success is a testament to the hard work and preparation the coaches and players put in during the preseason and throughout the year. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, it is my great privilege to congratulate the Thayer Lady Bobcats on their historic achievement. We look forward to their continued success. Go Bobcats.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club as they celebrate their 100th year of service to the Cape Girardeau, Missouri community. The Cape Girardeau Rotary Club was organized on January 28, 1919 and received its charter on March 1, 1919. For 100 years, the Rotary club has promoted Cape Girardeau's history, culture, and quality of life in countless ways, including its efforts to establish Cape Rock Park, its city beautification drives, and its historical marker projects. The Rotary Club has devoted itself to the youth of the community through its unflagging support of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys State, Girls State, the Crippled Children's Society, the Civic Center, and numerous other youth organizations. For the last 60 years, the Rotary Club has held the Academic Excellence Banquet which honors high school seniors in the top ten percent of their academic class. The Rotary Club has expanded its reach in the region through the establishment of the Jackson Rotary Club and Cape Girardeau Rotary Club-West. They have supported the mission of Rotary International through hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions to the Rotary Foundation. They have also aided the mission of Rotary International through participation in dozens of foreign exchange programs as well as medical, dental, and other humanitarian relief missions. The Rotary Club has been an incredible force for good in Cape Girardeau. They undoubtedly foster the Rotary ideal of ``Service Above Self''. I thank the members of the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club for their tireless effort and unwavering dedication to serving members of their community.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richland Elementary School of Essex, Missouri for being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2018, a distinction bestowed upon only 349 public and private schools across the country. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. This award affirms Richland Elementary School's hard work in creating an environment for educational attainment that is recognized as a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. By believing in, and maintaining positive, open lines of communication between parents, students, and educators, Richland Elementary created an educational environment to prepare productive and responsible citizens. This school is a model for success that starts with the leadership of Superintendent Frank Killian and Principal Cara Merritt. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, it is my great privilege to congratulate the entire Richland Elementary School community for this remarkable achievement.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of a bill I sponsored, H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, to make sure that the most vulnerable children in the United States have access to lifesaving medical care, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, if this unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker and the Majority Leader to immediately schedule a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act so that we can protect the sanctity of human life.