Rep. Jason Smith: Stalled in Senate

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 -- Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, issued the following Capitol Report:

It's always great to be back home and spend time with folks in our area. This week, I've had the opportunity to travel to more than half of the counties in Missouri's 8th Congressional District, and have met with everyone from parents, teachers and students, to doctors, farmers, local small business owners and community leaders. During my travels this week, the folks I visited with consistently told me they were frustrated with Washington. "Why is Congress failing to act on President Trump's agenda?" The truth is, I join you in your frustration.

As a matter of fact, since January, the House of Representatives has passed 362 bills which is almost 100 more than the average under the last four Presidential Administrations. We have passed legislation that will reduce regulations, bring back healthcare choice and competition, cut spending, increase local control and ensure America's energy-independence. Plus, let's not forget that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Obamacare repeal and replace legislation President Trump asked for and sent it to the Senate months ago. We are delivering for our President and the American people. But the Senate has yet to do the same.

Obstructionists in the Senate need to realize that our President isn't going to put up with business as usual in Washington - he expects results. Sadly, Senate Obstructionists aren't just left-wing liberals. They are "Republicans" who have never supported our President and find it more politically beneficial to obstruct than to deliver results for the American people.

Because of the Senate slow-down, President Trump has only had the chance to sign 64 bills into law. He is ready to take action on much, much more. Of the 362 bills we have passed, 286 are now stuck in the Senate. President Trump is also struggling with a Senate slow-down on confirming people who have been nominated to serve in his Administration. At the same time during Obama's first year in office, the Senate had confirmed 359 of his nominees. Unfortunately for President Trump, the Senate has only acted to confirm 172 of his nominees. I agree with President Trump - the Senate should change the rules and allow a simple majority to get things done.

In fact, just last week, President Trump got tired of waiting on the Senate and took action to advance healthcare policies I've pushed for and passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. His Presidential actions are creating more choices and more competition - ending unconstitutional bailouts for insurance companies, allowing folks to buy insurance across state lines and band together with other hardworking Missourians to bring down the cost of care for their families.

This week, President Trump met with several Senators and urged them to come together for a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to fix the U.S. Tax Code and give Americans a long overdue pay raise saying, "We're going to restore America's competitive edge, rebuild America's middle class, and renew the promise of the American Dream."

It's time for the Senate to do their job. We have got to get legislation moving again in Washington and deliver real results for folks back home. Sleeping on the floor of my office in D.C. can get old, but I'm ready to get back and keep fighting for the people in southeast and south central Missouri as Congress works to deliver on President Trump's legislative agenda.

This document was posted showing the date: Oct. 20, 2017