Jason Smith

Jason Thomas Smith is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 8th congressional district, a position he has held since 2013. Born in St. Louis and raised in Salem, Missouri, Smith has a background in agriculture and law. He earned degrees in Agricultural Economics and Business Administration from the University of Missouri and a Juris Doctor from the Oklahoma City University School of Law. Before entering federal politics, he worked as an attorney and real estate agent and continued to manage his family's fourth-generation farm in Dent County. Smith's legislative career began in the Missouri House of Representatives in 2005, where he served as Majority Whip and Speaker Pro Tempore. In June 2013, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election to succeed Jo Ann Emerson. Since 2023, he has served as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, making him one of the most influential members on fiscal and trade policy. He previously served as the Republican Leader of the House Budget Committee and is a member of the House Republican leadership team.

Representative Smith is a fiscal conservative who advocates for tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced federal spending. As Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, he focuses on permanent tax relief for families and small businesses and trade agreements that prioritize American interests. On healthcare, he supports market-driven solutions and healthcare freedom, opposing government-run systems and advocating for the protection of the doctor-patient relationship. Smith is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and a lifetime member of the NRA. He holds a pro-life position on abortion and emphasizes traditional family values. Additionally, he is a vocal advocate for the agricultural sector, frequently working to roll back environmental regulations he views as burdensome to farmers and rural communities.