Overview of Congressman Jason Smith and Missouri’s 8th Congressional District
Missouri’s 8th Congressional District is represented by Congressman Jason Smith, a Republican who has been serving in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013. Below is a summary of his career, legislative activities, policy positions, and information about his district.
Career Path to Congress
Early Life and Education: Born on June 16, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri, Jason Smith was raised in Salem, Missouri. He graduated from Salem High School in 1998 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri in 2001. He later obtained a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2004.
Missouri General Assembly: Smith served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005 to 2013, representing the 150th district. During his tenure, he held the position of Speaker Pro Tem.
U.S. House of Representatives: In 2013, Smith was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election to fill the vacancy in Missouri’s 8th Congressional District. He has been re-elected in subsequent terms and currently serves as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Sponsored Legislation
As a member of Congress, Smith has sponsored several bills that reflect his legislative priorities:
- Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R. 7024): Introduced on January 17, 2024, this bill aimed to provide tax relief to American families and workers.
- College Cost Reduction Act (H.R. 6951): Co-sponsored by Smith, this bill sought to reduce the cost of college education.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Smith’s positions on key social issues are evident from his voting record:
- Abortion: He voted in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which mandates medical care for infants who survive abortion attempts.
- Gun Control: Smith opposed gun control legislation that expanded red flag laws, expressing concerns about potential infringements on due process rights.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
Smith has taken clear positions on economic matters:
- Taxation: As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, he prioritizes delivering for working families and small businesses, emphasizing the need for economic relief.
- Broadband Access: He supported legislation that awarded economic development grants to public-private partnerships aimed at improving internet access in rural areas.
Votes and Stances on National Defense, NDAA, and DARPA
While specific votes on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are not detailed in the available sources, Smith has generally supported initiatives to strengthen national defense.
Demographics of Missouri’s 8th Congressional District
Missouri’s 8th Congressional District encompasses a predominantly rural area with the following demographic characteristics:
- Population: Approximately 772,194 residents as of 2022.
- Median Age: 40.2 years.
- Median Household Income: $55,599.
- Ethnicity: Predominantly White (Non-Hispanic) at 88.1%, followed by Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) at 4.17%, and Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 4.03%.
Controversial Statements
In October 2023, during a public disagreement, Representative Matt Gaetz accused Smith of “living a lie,” leading to speculation about Smith’s personal life. Gaetz later clarified that his comment was not related to Smith’s sexuality.
This profile provides a comprehensive overview of Congressman Jason Smith’s background, legislative activities, policy positions, and the demographics of the district he represents.