Cape News

In the past year, Americans have faced numerous challenges, from economic hardships to border crises, since President Joe Biden took office. However, thanks to the American people voting in a Republican House majority, important steps have been taken to undo the damage inflicted by the Left on our nation.

As the Ways and Means Chairman, the committee has been highly productive, with a 127% increase in committee hearings compared to the previous year. These hearings have provided a platform for real Americans, rather than lobbyists or think-tank academics, to contribute to the crafting of policies. Several bills authored by the committee, including one establishing a new trade agreement with Taiwan to open new markets for Missouri agriculture, have been passed into law. Additionally, substantial welfare reforms have been made, and $21 billion in IRS funding has been clawed back to prevent increased audits on working families.

Efforts have also been made to provide tax relief for working families, small businesses, and struggling farmers. Legislation has been passed to ensure transparency in healthcare pricing, allowing patients to have control over their own healthcare decisions.

During the first two years of Biden's term, the Left added $10 trillion in new spending, causing significant damage to the economy. However, with Republicans now in control of the House of Representatives, Congress can no longer simply approve Biden's radical policies and wasteful spending. In fact, 2023 marked a significant milestone as the American people witnessed the largest spending cut in the history of the nation. Additionally, the bill rescinded more money than all previous rescissions combined, leading to a decrease in spending compared to the previous year.

House Republicans have also fulfilled their promise to fight against the Left's war on American-made energy. The Lower Energy Costs Act has been passed to bring relief to Americans struggling with high gas prices and utility bills. Furthermore, two bills have been enacted to prevent Biden from further depleting the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Restoring faith in Washington and making it work for the American people has been a top priority for House Republicans. Legislation has been passed to address the backlog in processing social security claims and obtaining military and civil service personnel records. The U.S. Capitol has been reopened to the public, allowing citizens to tour the Capitol and meet their representatives once again.

Protecting farmers, workers, and small businesses from excessive government intervention has been another focus for House Republicans. Measures have been taken to force Biden to reveal the inflationary cost of his executive actions before implementing them. Additionally, legislation has been passed to prevent the Northern Long-Eared Bat from being listed as endangered, which could hinder timber harvesting in the region. The House also blocked the burdensome WOTUS rule, which would have given the federal government authority over bodies of water on private land.

As one of the committee chairs leading the impeachment inquiry into the president, further investigations will be conducted into the Biden family's business activities. Efforts will also be made to push Senate Democrats to pass crucial bills, including the House's Israel aid bill and the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which is considered the toughest immigration legislation in decades.

Looking ahead to 2024, House Republicans remain committed to delivering for the hardworking individuals in southeast and south-central Missouri and ensuring that the promises made to the American people are kept.

To find out more, go to this link: https://jasonsmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5302