Missouri’s 6th Congressional District is represented by Republican Congressman Sam Graves, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001. The district spans a vast area between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, covering more square miles than nine U.S. states. It includes all of North Missouri, extending from Eastern Jackson County to Lincoln County.
Career Path to Congress
Sam Graves is a lifelong resident of Missouri’s 6th District. Before his congressional career, he served eight years in the Missouri General Assembly, winning election to the Missouri House of Representatives once and the Missouri Senate twice. In 2000, Graves was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he has continued to serve as the representative of Missouri’s 6th Congressional District.
Legislation Sponsored
Throughout his tenure, Congressman Graves has sponsored various pieces of legislation. Notably, in January 2025, he introduced H.R.431, known as the “Pony Up Act,” which aims to require the United States Postal Service to reimburse fees charged for late payment of bills that were delayed in the mail. This legislation seeks to protect consumers from financial penalties due to postal delays.
Votes and Positions on Major Social Issues
Congressman Graves has taken clear positions on several social issues:
- Crime and Law Enforcement: He voted against enforcing measures against anti-gay hate crimes in 2009 but supported expanding services for offenders’ re-entry into society in 2007. He also co-sponsored the First Step Act, which aims to reduce recidivism and mass incarceration.
- Drug Policy: Graves has consistently taken a hard stance against drug legalization. He voted against increased funding for Mexico to combat drugs in 2008 and supported military patrols on the U.S. border to fight drugs and terrorism in 2001. His ratings by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) indicate that he holds an anti-legalization stance.
Votes and Positions on Major Economic Issues
On economic matters, Graves has exhibited the following positions:
- Tax Policy: He supported reducing corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%, believing this would create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
- Corporate Transparency: In 2019, Graves voted against measures aimed at increasing corporate transparency, reflecting a preference for less regulatory intervention in corporate affairs.
Votes and Positions on National Defense, the NDAA, and DARPA
Congressman Graves has been active in national defense legislation:
- National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): He voted in favor of the NDAA, emphasizing the importance of supporting the nation’s military and defense infrastructure.
- Defense Research and Development: While specific votes on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are not detailed, Graves’ support for defense authorization bills suggests a general endorsement of defense research and development initiatives.
Demographic Data of Missouri’s 6th Congressional District
As of 2022, Missouri’s 6th Congressional District had a population of approximately 769,000 people. Key demographic details include:
- Median Age: 39.2 years
- Median Household Income: $68,728
Ethnic Composition:
- White (Non-Hispanic): 87.7%
- Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 3.58%
- Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic): 3.09%
- White (Hispanic): 1.6%
- Asian (Non-Hispanic): 1.16%
Between 2021 and 2022, the district experienced a population decline of 1.26% and a median household income growth of 2.24%.
Controversial Statements
While specific controversial statements by Congressman Graves are not detailed in the available sources, some constituents have expressed concerns about his accessibility and responsiveness. Residents in parts of the district have reported difficulties in communicating with him and feeling that their concerns are not adequately addressed. For instance, one voter mentioned receiving only boilerplate email responses when reaching out about education funding issues.
In summary, Congressman Sam Graves has a long-standing tenure representing Missouri’s 6th Congressional District, with clear positions on various social, economic, and defense issues. While he has been active in sponsoring legislation and supporting defense initiatives, some constituents feel a disconnect regarding communication and representation.