By Jason Smith, member of Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 22, our nation marked the somber 53rd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, a decision that resulted in the loss of millions of innocent lives to abortion. As sad as it is to pause and reflect on all the lives lost, there is also optimism as our country has turned to a new chapter in our work to ensure all of God’s creations have the right to life, and that their lives have meaning. It’s a belief rooted in faith, family, and a deep respect for human dignity.
Last week, I joined Fox News, Fox Business, and Bloomberg to discuss President Trump’s wins during his first year back in office, lowering healthcare costs for ALL Americans, the largest tax refund season in U.S. history in 2026, and the theft of billions of taxpayer dollars in Minnesota due to a gross lack of oversight and accountability.
On Thursday, I convened a hearing with some of the nation’s largest health insurance CEOs to demand answers on why health care continues to get more expensive for families, workers, and seniors. Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs are all rising, and Americans deserve accountability from the companies and policies driving those increases.
On Tuesday, I spoke on the House floor in support of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act to protect access to maternal care for pregnant women and moms. This legislation ensures states can continue using existing TANF funds for pregnancy resource centers that provide diapers, prenatal care, parenting classes, and other vital support.
Earlier in the week, I joined every Republican on the Ways and Means Committee in calling on the IRS to overhaul its oversight of the non-profit sector following a major fraud scandal in Minnesota involving the theft of billions in taxpayer dollars. After years of lax enforcement under the Biden Administration, it’s clear stronger accountability is needed to protect taxpayers and ensure charitable dollars aren’t misused.
WHAT’S GREAT IN THE 8TH
Sophomore Holly Haynes is the youngest player in Charleston High School history to join the 1,000-point club. Way to go, Holly!
Fredericktown resident Jay Corbitt, who was serving as a volunteer with a search group, located a missing child in Oklahoma. Thank you to Jay for all of your hard work!
Congratulations to senior Halle Jamerson of Senath-Hornersville High School for scoring her 1,500th career point!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
H.R. 5763, Main Street Parity Act: Standardizes equity requirements for all small businesses to make Small Business Administration Section 504 loans as accessible as possible.
PASSED, REP SMITH VOTED YES
H.R. 5764, AI for Main Street Act: This bill makes it easier for small businesses to access and receive guidance and training on AI.
PASSED, REP SMITH VOTED YES
H.R. 6945, Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act: Amends federal law to prohibit future restrictions on federal funding that would block pregnancy resource centers, which assist pregnant women and families and protect the lives of the unborn, from receiving federal funds.
PASSED, REP SMITH VOTED YES
H.R. 7147, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act: This bill responsibly funds the Department of Homeland Security through the end of the fiscal year.
PASSED, REP SMITH VOTED YES
H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act: This bill combines three appropriations bills that fund President Trump’s priorities for agencies including the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health and Human Services, completing the appropriations process for the current fiscal year.
PASSED, REP SMITH VOTED YES
H.R. 6359, Pregnant Students’ Rights Act: Requires all colleges and universities to inform pregnant students of their rights to carry their baby to term while continuing their education.
PASSED, REP SMITH VOTED YES