New Opportunities for a New Congress

Casting a vote on behalf of the people of Nebraska’s Third District is a great privilege. Much of the work to dig deeper into legislative issues and prepare bills for votes on the House floor takes place in committees.
 
Since 2011, I have had the opportunity to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee, which puts me on the front lines of the debate on how to create jobs, promote economic growth, and impact tax policy.
 
My priority in Congress has always been to secure greater opportunity for Nebraskans. I am honored to be taking on a new role as chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources, which has jurisdiction over a wide range of anti-poverty, welfare, and social services programs, as well as foster care and adoption.
 
The Subcommittee will examine our country’s anti-poverty programs to ensure the end goal is helping people meet their potential through independence and productivity. Rewarding work and addressing reverse incentives in these programs is crucial to helping Americans escape poverty. I look forward to leading our efforts to demand positive results which break the cycle of government dependency and empower people with greater freedom and economic opportunity.
 
This new role also provides another avenue for Nebraska producers to help shape America’s agriculture policy. The Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee works closely with the House Agriculture Committee on issues related to the Farm Bill, namely the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We must look carefully at the program’s effectiveness, ensuring it is focused on those in need while enabling our agriculture producers to provide more Americans with nutritious food.
 
As we begin work on the next Farm Bill, I look forward to many conversations with producers throughout the Third District to seek their input and expertise. I will also be collaborating with Nebraska’s new Second District Representative Don Bacon in his role on the House Agriculture Committee.
 
Additionally, I will continue working on the Ways and Means Committee to open new markets for Nebraska agriculture producers, simplify our tax code, and pursue patient-centered health care reforms. Under a unified government, I am optimistic we can come together on these issues and overhaul our regulatory system to provide needed relief.
 
I have also been selected to join the Committee on House Administration for the 115th Congress. The focus of the Committee is to make government work for the people through its oversight of the House’s daily operations as well as federal elections. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on this important panel to ensure efficient and responsible operations in the House and help preserve the integrity of our election system.
 
We have an exciting and productive year ahead, and I hope you will keep in touch with me as we tackle a full slate of issues in Congress. If you have not joined my e-newsletter list to receive regular updates, I encourage you to sign up at AdrianSmith.house.gov/Newsletter. Thank you for sharing your ideas, stories, and questions to help me better represent you.