Jason Smith

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a gifted educator, an outstanding coach and a genuine treasure in the North St. Francois County R-1 School District. Mary Alice Hoehn was an art teacher at North County High School in Bonne Terre for 36 years. She was in her 37th year of teaching when she died suddenly on January 10, 2019. Miss Hoehn taught longer in the district than any other teacher before her. In August of 1982, with degrees from Jefferson College and Southeast Missouri State University, she entered the classroom. More than three decades later, she never talked of retiring. On her last day in class, at the age of 60, she was just as determined as ever to spark her students' creativity and show them the benefits of a life dedicated to excellence. Miss Hoehn was just as committed to the players she coached for 34 years on the tennis courts. She motivated her students to achieve their potential. She encouraged them to overcome their disappointments. She earned the respect of her students because she respected them as artists, athletes and young people with dreams. In tribute to her passion for teaching and her unwavering dedication to her students, I am privileged today to honor the late Mary Hoehn before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Honorable Todd Richardson on being named the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year. I had the honor of serving alongside Todd in the Missouri State House and have grown to admire and respect him dearly. Todd became Speaker of the Missouri House in 2015, leading the chamber and state during a tumultuous time. He passed sweeping tax reform legislation, making Missouri more competitive economically. He also passed historic legislation protecting the unborn and Missourians' Second Amendment rights, while overseeing a rewrite of harassment policies in Missouri's Capitol. All of these accomplishments were done while carrying himself with dignity and integrity, garnering the utmost respect from members on both sides of the aisle. Todd was the right person in the right position at the right time to lead our state through some significant times of uncertainty. Todd was recently selected by Governor Parsons to be the Director of MO HealthNet. He is already making an imprint by leading an effort to root out fraud and prevent waste while providing accessible, quality healthcare to all Missourians. Todd is a man of great character, who sought for his tenure in the Missouri State House to be consistent with his moral and personal values, or as he put it ``to be the same person when I leave as I was when I arrived.'' And Madam Speaker, he has done just that. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, it is my great privilege to recognize a true gentleman from Butler County, Todd Richardson.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Honorable Todd Richardson on being named the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year. I had the honor of serving alongside Todd in the Missouri State House and have grown to admire and respect him dearly. Todd became Speaker of the Missouri House in 2015, leading the chamber and state during a tumultuous time. He passed sweeping tax reform legislation, making Missouri more competitive economically. He also passed historic legislation protecting the unborn and Missourians' 2nd Amendment rights, while overseeing a rewrite of harassment policies in Missouri's Capitol. All of these accomplishments were done while carrying himself with dignity and integrity, garnering the utmost respect from members on both sides of the aisle. Todd was the right person in the right position at the right time to lead our state through some significant times of uncertainty. Todd was recently selected by Governor Parsons to be the Director of MO HealthNet. He is already making an imprint by leading an effort to root out fraud and prevent waste while providing accessible, quality healthcare to all Missourians. Todd is a man of great character, who sought for his tenure in the Missouri State House to be consistent with his moral and personal values, or as he put it ``to be the same person when I leave as I was when I arrived.'' And Madam Speaker, he has done just that. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, it is my great privilege to recognize a true gentleman from Butler County, Todd Richardson.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), officially established on January 23, 1969, by Governor Warren E. Hearnes. The first Board of Directors elected by MRPC were Salem Mayor Jack Masters as chairman; Leon Camillo, representative from Potosi, as vice chairman; Cuba Mayor John Brummet as secretary; and Vienna Mayor Travis John as treasurer. The scope of work has changed over the years, but the overall mission remains the same: To enhance the quality of life for the Meramec Region. The MRPC, currently serving the counties of Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps and Pulaski, built a strong reputation throughout the area for its work in grant writing, economic development, community and emergency planning, small business loan assistance, housing rental assistance, and legislative advocacy on behalf of the region. These services are especially vital to small communities that often do not have the resources to compete with larger cities for grant funding. I congratulate MRPC on this milestone anniversary and appreciate the vital role they play in the quality of life in the Meramec Region. Today, it is my great privilege to recognize the Meramec Regional Planning Commission before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hayti R-II High School football team for winning the Class 1 State Championship on December 1st, 2018, the first football state championship in the school's history. Even more remarkable, it will be the first ever football state title brought home to Missouri's Bootheel. Dominique Robinson, Class 1 Coach of the Year, led the Hayti Indians to a 15-win, undefeated season, outscoring opponents by an unprecedented 838-80 on the year. Coach Robinson could not have asked for a more talent laden team, comprised of eight All-State players, including Tylor Wooden, Louis Wright, Jason Weatherspoon, Nakwon Harris, Chrivontae Moore, Kevin Luster, Eddie Wooden, and Damorri Reed, in addition to the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Ivory Winters and Adreian Stevenson. The Indians swept through the postseason on their way to a 44-0 win over Lincoln 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 Hayti High School football team on their historic achievement. We look forward to their continued successes. Go Indians.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 430, the TANF Extension Act of 2019, which will end the lapse in the TANF program. For my home State of Missouri, and specifically my district, temporary assistance is a vital lifeline of resources for families. I represent one of the most economically distressed regions in the country and the poorest congressional district in Missouri. In my State, more than 20,000 people and nearly 10,000 families currently rely on TANF. Mr. Speaker, we need to reauthorize this program. Since TANF was created in 1996, funding for the program had never lapsed like this, until now. Federal funding of TANF has now lapsed for 2 full weeks. TANF has never been tied to a border security debate before, and it shouldn't be now. Mr. Speaker, 20,000 people in Missouri need TANF for a hand up to get out of poverty and back to work. Tax reform created a roaring economy, but our job is not done. Americans are no longer asking ``Where are the jobs?'' Instead, employers are asking ``Where are the workers?'' When I meet with farmers and small business owners in southern Missouri, they tell me they desperately need more workers. We have an economy that is built for growth, but millions of Americans are on the sidelines. That is why we need the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to refocus on the outcome of work. I hope that, during the 6-month extension provided by this bill, my friends on the other side of the aisle will work with us to improve the focus of TANF on outcomes so we can stop only measuring the process. Let's work together to build on the efforts from last Congress so we can help families become self-sufficient through work. There is pride in work, and a job is the best way out of poverty. When individuals and parents work full-time, the poverty rate drops to just 3 percent. American taxpayers contribute billions of dollars every year to support those who are in need. It is our responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used in the most effective way possible. That is why we must reauthorize this program immediately and why I have pushed for reforms. House Republicans want every person on TANF who is work eligible to have an individual plan for how to get back into the workforce. The new goal isn't to get someone into a job for 2 weeks. The new goal is to get them into a job and keep them there so they can start their career and build a better life. That means we want to surround Americans with more support to allow them to build their lives, like childcare and transportation. That is what we will continue to push for as we work on a longer extension. What has become clear is that we can do a lot better to address the needs of those struggling to get ahead. With this bill, we renew the program and set the stage to make additional reforms we know are needed to expand the opportunity so that everyone can benefit from strong economic growth. Reforming TANF to improve the lives of more American families must be our priority, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to complete this reauthorization. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 430, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Walorski).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as you have heard today, there is more that can be and should be done to address the needs of those struggling to get ahead. With this bill, we secure the additional time to reform and make the changes we know are needed to expand opportunity and help more families move ahead. We have made considerable progress identifying the challenges and the solutions, but now we need to finish our work. Let's pass this extension and work together to complete this reauthorization for the people we serve. Again, I urge support of H.R. 430, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100- year anniversary of the Salem News, the local newspaper of my hometown--Salem, Missouri. The Salem News began operations on June 13, 1918, with O.H. Grosse as the owner/publisher and M.W. Gustin as the editor. For $1.50 subscription, you could enjoy the newspaper for an entire year. The late Charles Stacey, Robert L. ``Bob'' Vickery and W.R. ``Ray'' Vickery also served as publishers of the Salem News, a position currently held by Donald Dodd. Very few businesses reach 100 years of existence. This is a testament to the staff for consistently providing relevant and timely information to the community. Today, it is my great privilege to congratulate and honor the Salem News before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lake Road Elementary School of Poplar Bluff, 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 Lake Road Elementary School's hard work in creating an environment for educational attainment that is recognized as a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Lake Road Elementary provides a model for success to all schools by creating a nurturing environment that promotes student development through problem solving and exploration. Principal Erica Weadon inspires a passionate and purposeful mindset that resonates throughout the entire organization, from the teachers, administrators, students, and parents. This accomplishment will pay dividends for years to come as Lake Road Elementary continues to grow and flourish. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, it is my great privilege to congratulate the entire Lake Road Elementary School community for this remarkable achievement.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kingston Elementary School of Cadet, 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 Kingston Elementary School's hard work in creating an atmosphere for educational attainment that is recognized as a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Built upon the core values of encouraging learning, inspiring pride, dreaming boldly, and supporting others, Kingston Elementary created a community of learners who strive for success and work together to proudly achieve their goals. This school fosters an environment that prioritizes education and safety in the school community, one achieved through collaboration between students, educators, and parents. Led by Principal Jenny Boyster and Assistant Principal Marlene King, Kingston Elementary is an inspiration and a model for schools still striving for excellence. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, it is my great privilege to congratulate the entire Kingston Elementary School community for this remarkable achievement.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jefferson County, Missouri, created on December 8, 1818 by an ``Act of the Territory,'' uniting portions of St. Louis and Ste. Genevieve Counties. It was named for our nation's third president, Thomas Jefferson, the father of the Louisiana Purchase which included the land that became Missouri. Jefferson County's earliest settlers were French and they settled along the area's many waterways that include the Mississippi River, the Meramec River and the Big River. Jefferson County is home to sites where archeologists say mastodons roamed 12,000 years ago. Lead shot made in the county was used in the War of 1812 and there are 10 sites in Jefferson County on the National Register of Historic Places. Historical societies in local cities are dedicated to preserving their history with a county museum established in Festus as part of the 200th birthday celebration. With its rich history and promise of progress, Jefferson County is a treasure that continues to be a vital part of Missouri's economy and future growth. I am proud to congratulate Jefferson County on its bicentennial today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bicentennial birthday of Wayne County, Missouri in the beautiful foothills of the Ozarks. It was originally known as the ``Great State of Wayne'' because when it was established, it was bigger than some states and it was consolidated before Missouri even became a state. Wayne County was officially organized on December 11, 1818, named for Revolutionary War General ``Mad'' Anthony Wayne. Among its pioneer settlers are the families of Bollinger, Limbaugh, Seabaugh, Miller, Slinkard and the descendants of Francis Clark, who settled the Piedmont area in 1803. Civil War battles were fought there and General William Hardee headquartered his Union Army in what is now the county seat of Greenville. Once home to 90 one-room school houses, Wayne County now boasts two thriving consolidated public school districts and 13,341 residents. Wayne County welcomes visitors to explore its outdoor playgrounds at Lake Wappapello, the Mingo Wildlife Refuge and Clearwater Lake. It is my great privilege to congratulate the people of Wayne County as they mark 200 years of pride and progress today before the United States House of Representatives

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor First Baptist Church of Portageville, Missouri on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary. The church was founded on November 4th of 1868, when a small group in Portageville organized around a collective sense of faith and worship. The original congregation met in a log building erected in the 1850's, later moving into the local masonic lodge, which they shared with the freemasons. Since the early 1900's, First Baptist Church has met in one of three buildings at its current location. First Baptist Church has the distinction of being the oldest church in the membership of the New Madrid Baptist Association, which is composed of the Southern Baptist congregations in New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties. Today, the church has 306 members and is involved in local and nationwide missions. The church provides Bibles for distribution through the local RAIN (Reaching All In Need) Food Ministry, and also hosts weekly meetings for foster parent training. For continuing its work of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ through 150 years of change and challenge, it is my great pleasure to honor First Baptist Church today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bicentennial birthday of Madison County, Missouri. Named for President James Madison, the county was officially organized on December 14, 1818. The Osage and Kickapoo Indians formed trade routes through its rolling farmland and heavily forested hills in the early 17th Century. The French prospected for lead here. Indeed, Madison County is on record as having the oldest lead mine west of the Mississippi River. It has also been home to the mining of cobalt, copper, silver and red marble. Early settlers brought the names: DeGuire, LaChance, Viriat, Nicholl, Trudeau, Pratte, Valle, Beauvais, DeClue and Chevalier to the area. Its two major towns are Marquand and the county seat of Fredericktown. Today, Madison County is home to more than 12,000 people and welcomes visitors each year to the Missouri Whitewater Championships, Marquand Pioneer Days, Madison County Fair and the Azalea Festival. It is my honor to acknowledge this historic birthday before the United States House of Representatives and to honor the people of Madison County, Missouri as they celebrate all year long.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation. Last year, Congress partnered with our President, President Trump, to lower taxes and put more money in the hands of our American people. I heard from the other side how the tax cut was just basically crumbs and scraps. But in my district in southern Missouri, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act makes a real difference. In the 9 months that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has passed, I have traveled throughout my district, and I have seen small businesses in West Plains, Missouri that told me: Congressman, because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, I can now build a new building. I have spoken to workers in St. James, in Rolla, in Caruthersville, in Cape Girardeau, in Perryville, in Sikeston, in Malden, in Bernie, in Gainesville, in Theodosia, and all the other 29 counties in our congressional district of how their wages have increased and how these employees have benefited from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. I have spoken to mothers who, because of their wages being increased, were able to purchase new child seats in their cars. These were real tax breaks. These were real advantages. For people in my congressional district, the median income is $40,000 a year. It is not scraps. It is not crumbs. It makes a real difference. It is car payments, it is house payments, and it is food on the table. Mr. Speaker, we need to make sure that this is permanent. This bill was not permanent because of some arcane Senate rules that allowed it to just be temporary. I am hoping that the other side will join us today in making sure that we deliver this tax relief permanently for families in southeast Missouri and families throughout this country.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the American Legion Riders of Post 114 in Sikeston, MO as they celebrate the completion of their first annual Legacy Run to benefit the Legacy Scholarship Fund. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. Chartered in 1920, Post 114 embodies this patriotic spirit and serves an important role in the Sikeston community by sponsoring youth baseball leagues, supporting local community causes, and providing unrelenting support to America's servicemen and women. The American Legion created the Legacy Scholarship Fund to provide college scholarships to children of fallen U.S. military personnel on active duty since September 11th, 2001. On June 22nd of this year, riders from Post 114 embarked on their first Legacy Run, visiting 22 cities throughout my congressional district. The efforts by these Riders will create educational opportunities for many children who would otherwise not be able to pursue a higher education. It is my great privilege to recognize the American Legion Riders and the entire Legion family before the United States House of Representatives as the organization approaches its centennial birthday next year. I celebrate the community spirit, sense of duty and pride that thrives in this patriotic organization.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dan Overbey for 25 years of dedicated service to his community serving as Executive Director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority. His positive attitude and problem solving mindset has been a great asset to the Port and the Eighth District of Missouri. He has achieved many accomplishments during his tenure, such as obtaining 12 miles of railroad track for port use, Port expansions, securing businesses and infrastructure. Dan pursued a business degree and graduated with honors from Southeast Missouri State University and received his MBA from University of Texas. Mr. Overbey worked at Missouri Pacific Railroad, Frisco Railway and BN Transport. For a short time, he was a marketing professor at Southeast Missouri State University. All of these experiences led Mr. Dan Overbey to his role, as Executive Director of Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority. The Port's standing has improved significantly since he took over 25 years ago; there are now over $60 million in assets from companies operating at SEMO Port that employ 155 people. The Port itself now has land, harbor, railroad tracks, and utilities that total to $29 million in assets. Mr. Overbey is a dedicated husband to his wife Gail and father of their two sons--Jeffrey and Douglas. He looks forward to traveling during his retirement visiting with family and two grandsons, Mattox and Jaxson. For his many years of dedication and service to the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority and his community, it is my great pleasure to honor Dan Overbey of Cape Girardeau, Missouri today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Dennis Gott of Salem, Missouri for being inducted posthumously into the Missouri Grocers Association Hall of Fame. Dennis was President and co-owner of Town & Country Supermarkets and co-owner and board member of Town and Country Banks. He is the second Gott family member to be awarded this honor. His father Wayne Gott founded Town & Country Supermarkets in Salem in 1962 and was inducted to the Missouri Grocers Hall of Fame in 2012. Dennis began working at Town and Country in the 1970s and took over as President and CEO in 1999. Under his leadership, Town and Country expanded to 21 locations in south central Missouri, each one known for friendly customer service and active community involvement. Dennis loved the grocery store business, and he loved his family and community. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Salem and served on the boards of Harris Baking Company and the Salem Airport Authority. His untimely passing in 2016 shook my hometown of Salem and he is missed dearly. For his outstanding career and legacy as a loving family man devoted to his community, it is my pleasure to recognize Dennis Gott before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

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

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment, which seeks to crack down on the practice commonly known as sue and settle. When Federal agencies settle lawsuits with outside advocacy groups behind closed doors, the outcome is pretty much what you would expect: costly new regulatory burdens with taxpayers picking up the tab. That is exactly how sue and settle works. Federal agencies accept lawsuits from outside advocacy organizations and, rather than defend themselves, proceed to settle that lawsuit in a closed-door agreement, resulting in new and more costly regulations. It is bad enough that the taxpayer ultimately pays for these regulations, but under current law, it is the taxpayer footing the bill for attorneys' fees for these outside organizations. That is absurd. My amendment prevents American taxpayer dollars from being used to pay the legal fees of outside advocacy groups for settlements under the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Organizations can still sue whomever they want, but they cannot do it on the backs of taxpayers. Fortunately, we are making progress to end this practice. In the House, we have passed this amendment several times before, and the Trump administration has taken notice of our efforts. The Trump administration sees this practice for what it is: an abuse of our regulator process that must be reined in. The EPA announced last fall that it will no longer pay attorneys' fees as part of the settlement process and will ensure stakeholders have input and a more transparent settlement process. This amendment will help bolster the administration's efforts to stop this abusive practice. The Trump administration realizes that nowhere is the cost of these settlements more painful than in the environmental regulatory context. The result of these lawsuits is hundreds of new regulations and tens of millions--even billions--of dollars in compliance costs. If that isn't bad enough, as part of the agreements, agencies are often required to reprioritize their agendas, allocating limited resources to the priorities of these interest groups rather than priorities designated by Congress or ones that have received public and stakeholder input. The American people are tired of our unaccountable Federal Government, and we have the opportunity to do something about it. This is a necessary step to rein in overregulation and bring transparency back to the regulatory process. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. I support the Trump administration, but I also support our duty under the Constitution to make sure we tell the executive what to do.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Gianforte).