Lloyd Smucker wants to reignite the American Dream. He believes this can be achieved by working to increase economic opportunity for everyone, reining in Washington’s out-of-control spending, and providing regulatory relief to small businesses so they can expand and create jobs.
Prior to being elected to Congress, Rep. Smucker owned and operated the Smucker Company for 25 years, and grew the small business to eventually employ more than 150 people.
He served two terms in the Pennsylvania State Senate where he chaired the Committee on Education. In that capacity, he pioneered reforms to increase accountability in education spending and worked to ensure Pennsylvania students had access to quality education. Rep. Smucker led the charge to hold elected officials accountable by proposing reforms to the ethics guidelines. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, he made it a priority to rein in spending and built a reputation as an independent-minded conservative who seeks creative solutions to complex problems.
Balances in Nine Years
Budget for a Brighter American Future achieves balance through responsible reforms and savings for government programs. The path mapped out in this budget reverses the current trend of growing deficits and debt that will ultimately result in a sovereign debt crisis, and yields surpluses by FY2027.
By achieving $8.1 trillion in deficit reduction over ten years, this budget begins to slow down the unsustainable rate at which debt is growing to less than the American economy's nominal rate of expansion. It does not make careless or sudden cuts to mandatory spending programs, but rather adopts thoughtful reforms to programs driving our debt and deficits. If the nation's current situation remains unchanges, future generations will face unthinkable choices that could cripple our economy and adversely affect every American family.
Through reconciliation instructions for 11 House authorizing committees, this budget achieves at least $302 billion in mandatory savings over the ten-year window, showing a commitment to act now and forestall a debt crisis.
Consistent with levels signed into law in February 2018, this budget sets topline discretionary spending at $1.24 trillion, and increase from $1.132 trillion in last year's budget.
Continues Economic Growth
Budget for a Brighter American Future builds on the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, further promoting economic growth and encouraging job creation. It reduces burdensome regulations, such as removing regulations that block the adoption of new pharmaceutical drugs and medical technology.
Encourages Better Government and Greater Accountability
Budget for a Brighter American Future requires good stewardship by Executive Branch agencies of their budgets and encourages the more responsible use of taxpayer dollars. it promotes efficiency and effectiveness, prescribes reforms to sustain vital government programs, identifies and confronts wasteful spending, and strengthens accountability to generate better outcomes for Americans.
Empowers State and Local Governments
Budget for a Brighter American Future respects the constitutional powers grants to state and local governments by the Tenth Amendment. It acknowledges that some reforms are best decided by those distinct governing authorities in order to best serve the unique needs of their own citizens.
To promote more efficient use of taxpayer dollars, this budget seeks to scale back overreach of the federal government and restore power to the states in areas such as health care, welfare, environmental regulation, education, workforce development, and transportation.
After the passage of the Budget for a Brighter American Future out of the House Budget Committee, Rep. Smucker released the following statement:
"Washington's reckless spending is failing the American people. They expect Congress to treat their hard-earned tax dollars in a fiscally responsible manner. Congress has to stop kicking the can down the road and saddling future generations with insurmountable debt and severe economic consequences. This budget starts to do just that.
"That is why I am proud of our committee's work to get our nation back on a strong fiscal path. Last year, we passed a budget that would have balanced the federal budget in ten years and was instrumental in enacting comprehensive tax reform that has already revitalized our economy. This year, we're building on that success with the Budget for a Brighter American Future, which continues to promote pro-growth policies that will create new jobs and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans.
"As a former small business owner, I have seen first-hand how expensive federal regulations threaten jobs and hurt small businesses. Our budget also reduces burdensome regulations to encourage job creation and stimulate further economic growth. It balances the budget within nine years and achieves a $142 billion surplus by 2028 - demonstrating a serious commitment by this committee to address our debt crisis. It also ensures that our troops have the resources they need to keep our homeland safe.
"More importantly, our budget resolution gets serious about tackling mandatory spending - the biggest contributor to our national debt - while protecting and preserving Medicare and Social Security for current and future beneficiaries.
"The Budget for a Brighter American Future restores regular order and puts Congress on track to spend within our own means. I want to commend Budget Committee Chairman Steve Womack for his tireless work on this budget resolution to restore fiscal sanity to Washington."
Introduced by Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05), the No Budget, No Pay Act would withhold the pay of Members of Congress after October 1, 2017 unless Congress uses regular order to pass a budget resolution and appropriations bills. If a budget resolution and appropriations are passed after the October 1st deadline, the Chairs of the House and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees would determine if Members of Congress will receive retroactive pay.
“Members of Congress should be held to the same standard as hardworking Americans – if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid,” said Rep. Smucker. “I am hopeful this legislation will restore regular order to the budget process so we can do what we were all sent here to do.”
“Congress is the only place in America where you get paid for showing up but not doing your work. There shouldn’t be special treatment for Members of Congress,” said Rep. Cooper. “They should live by the same rules as everybody else: do your job and do it on time, or you don’t get paid. It’s that simple.”
Introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR-05), the Hold Congress Accountable Act would reduce the salary of Members of Congress for the duration of a federal government shutdown. For each day a federal government shutdown is in effect, the annual pay rate for each Member of Congress would be reduced by an amount equal to one day’s worth of pay.
“There is simply no excuse for Congress not to complete one of its most important jobs – funding the federal government,” said Rep. Smucker. “It’s what the American people expect, and more importantly it’s what they deserve. I’m glad to work across the aisle to do my part to ensure we are completing a core function of government.”
“Our number one job in Congress is to pass a budget,” said Rep. Schrader. “There is no partisan issue that takes priority over our constituents, and shutting down the government shouldn’t be a last resort: it should never even be an option. If we’ve learned anything at all in Congress these last few weeks, it’s that strawman legislation goes nowhere and is good for no one. And we are never going to progress on anything if we continue to refuse to put our trivial differences aside and work together for the good of our districts and our country.”
Introduced by Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06), the Biennial Budgeting and Enhanced Oversight Act would reform the budget and appropriations process by extending it from one to two years. The bill directs the budget and appropriations process to take place during non-election years – ensuring Members of Congress have ample time to complete the process. During election years, Congress would evaluate long-term budgetary effects of proposed funding to help eliminate wasteful government spending and programs.
“Passing longer-term spending bills will give Congress more time to focus on other priorities like creating jobs, spurring economic growth, and keeping the American people safe,” said Rep. Smucker. “Too often, Washington’s bitter partisan atmosphere and short-term spending bills lead to a funding crisis. We should not accept this as our status quo. This bill would help get our fiscal house in order and so we can tackle the challenges facing families across Pennsylvania and the nation.”
Rep. Smucker today sent a letter to Chairman Black urging a hearing on comprehensive budget process reform. In the letter, Rep. Smucker said:
“As you are aware, a strong budget process is a key start to confronting our country’s significant fiscal challenges and helping lawmakers focus on responsible long-term spending commitments. The committee should begin deliberation on how we can improve the process and reestablish regular order through the passage of an annual budget resolution and 12 appropriations bills. I strongly encourage our committee members to examine potential reforms to the congressional budget process, including: strengthening budget enforcement, increasing transparency for American taxpayers, establishing long-term debt limits, and reforming mandatory spending.
“It is time that we take a critical step towards securing our long-term fiscal path by making congressional budget reform a priority in the 115th Congress.”
The opioid crisis is wreaking havoc on families and communities all across Pennsylvania and America. Hundreds of thousands of American lives have been cut short by prescription drug abuse. That is why House Republicans have made combating this crisis a top priority. Read more at opioidcrisis.gop.
1. Treatment and Recovery
2. Prevention
3. Protecting Communities
4. Fighting Fentanyl
Find out what Congress is doing to combat the opioid epidemic by visiting opioidcrisis.gop or text CRISIS to 50589.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Contact: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and online at www.samhsa.gov/find-help
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Resources
There are a number of ways to find treatment for those suffering from the disease of addiction. Pennsylvania's hotline is completely confidential and can provide information about treatment resources. It is staffed by trained professionals, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is available in both English and Spanish.
Contact: www.pa.gov/guides/opioid-epidemic and the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
You can also find treatment by reaching out to a Center of Excellence. Centers of Excellence help ensure that people with opioid-related substance use disorders stay engaged in treatment to receive follow-up care and are supported within their communities.
Lancaster County Center of Excellence
Lancaster General Hospital
717-544-1427
Chester County Center of Excellence
Center for Integrative Medicine
610-583-3800
Berks County Center of Excellence
Reading Hospital and Health System
484-628-8070 (option 2)
Introduced by Reps. Smucker and Betty McCollum, the bipartisan Community Action Opioid Response Act authorizes $250 million in federal funding over five years to help communities respond to the needs of low-income families and those in crisis because of the opioid epidemic.
The bill establishes a competitive grant program to expand and support effective community efforts to identify and respond to the causes and consequences of opioid misuse and addiction experienced by low-income individuals, families, and communities. Uniquely positioned to address these needs, Community Action Agencies would compete for three-year grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million per year.
Learn more about the Community Action Opioid Response Act here.
Rep. Smucker urged President Trump's administration to reject spending cuts to the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in order to continue the fight against the opioid epidemic. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney, Rep. Smucker said:
"Now more than ever our nation must prioritize federal funding to combat rampant drug abuse. As you are aware, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, in 2015, opioids were involved in the death of 33,091 Americans - more than double the rate in 2000. The opioid epidemic is tragically engulfing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has claimed the lives of more than 3,383 of our constituents in 2015. We must increase the federal government's response in the wake of this public health crisis."
On June 22, 2017, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This legislation will help more Americans enter the workforce with the skills necessary to compete for good-paying, in-demand jobs.
Rep. Smucker said:
"I have my own experience with non-traditional education. I took college courses at night while operating a small construction company during the day. Countless students across Pennsylvania and the nation have similar experiences, and we should make it easier for them to compete in today’s 21st century economy. My district is home to multiple CTE schools, and I’ve heard directly that they want to expand their programs to students who are ready to learn and eager to work. This legislation will help businesses and schools collaborate to ensure students gain the necessary skills to get in-demand, family-sustaining jobs. I am proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this legislation, and want to thank Reps. Thompson and Krishnamoorthi for carrying this across the finish line."
This bill:
Congressman Smucker introduced the Seniors Healthcare Choice Act (H.R. 1845) to relieve seniors of a lifetime penalty for seniors who enroll in Medicare past the age of 65. Today, a senior who chooses to maintain their employer-sponsored health care plan through COBRA coverage, instead of Medicare, faces a lifetime late-enrollment penalty on their future Medicare plan. H.R. 1845 would end this lifetime penalty, providing seniors the flexibility to enroll in Medicare at a time that best fits their needs, without the threat of a burdensome and unnecessary financial penalty. Learn more about the bill here.
Congressman Smucker introduced the Strengthening our Pediatric Workforce Act to help address our nation’s pediatric medical workforce shortage. The medical community is facing a severe pediatric physician shortage for numerous fields of specialty. These vacancies are negatively impacting the delivery of care, often leaving families who are caring for a sick child with no other choice but to travel to a hospital that can provide the care they need or wait weeks or months to see a specialist. This bipartisan legislation will address America’s growing pediatric physician shortage by creating a new grant program for children’s teaching hospitals to make additional residence positions available for pediatric specialists. Read more about this bill here.
Congressman Smucker voted in support of the American Health Care Act to help ensure Pennsylvanians have access to the care they need at a price they can afford. The bill repeals the Affordable Care Act and returns regulatory power to the states—where it belongs—so that governors can run state-specific programs instead of a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach. H.R. 1628 also ends Obamacare’s costly mandates and provides both a market-driven system that will lower premiums, and tax relief to hardworking Americans to help make health care affordable. Read more about this bill here.
Congressman Smucker cosponsored and voted in support of legislation to protect all seniors’ access to Medicare coverage regardless of their health conditions. The Affordable Care Act established the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) as a way to reduce Medicare spending. The board is charged with making Medicare cuts without Congressional oversight or input, giving the 15-member board unchecked power over Medicare spending which would directly impact seniors’ access to the care they deserve. Read more about the bill here.
Congressman Smucker cosponsored and voted in support of legislation that would make it easier for small businesses to offer more affordable and comprehensive health care coverage. The Small Business Health Fairness Act would empower small businesses to band together through association health plans to negotiate health insurance costs on behalf of their employees—providing quality care at a lower cost. H.R. 1101 passed the House of Representatives on March 22, 2017. Following passage in the House, the U.S. Department of Labor promulgated a final rule to expand access to affordable health coverage through Association Health Plans. They are expected to be offered to consumers this fall. Learn more about these plans here.
Congressman Smucker voted in support of legislation to expand and modernize Health Spending Accounts (HASs). H.R. 6311 increases benefit flexibility and allowable uses to make health care more affordable. This bill passed the House of Representatives on July 26, 2018. Read more about the bill here.
Congressman Smucker voted in support of the Right to Try Act to allow terminally-ill patients who have exhausted all other options to try medications that have passed basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety protocols but have not yet completed the full, multiyear approval process. This passed Congress with bipartisan support and was signed into law on May 30, 2018. Read more about the bill here.
The Promise of Postsecondary Education is Broken
Americans have invested billions of dollars and countless hours of hard work into higher education in an effort to earn a better job and live a fulfilling life. Unfortunately, today's chaotic maze of federal aid programs, requirements, and red tape has driven up college costs and made pursuing and finishing a postsecondary education unworkable for far too many individuals. We are failing the next generation at a time when more businesses are demanding their employees attain postsecondary credentials to fill technical, high-skill, good-paying jobs. Americans deserve a better postsecondary education system that works for them.
The Committee on Education and the Workforce's Higher Education Act reforms support students in completing an affordable postsecondary education that will prepare them to enter the workforce with the skills they need for lifelong success.
Our commonsense proposal will transform the college marketplace by promoting innovation, access, and completion; simplifying and improving student aid; empowering students and families to make informed decisions; and ensuring strong accountability and a limited federal role.
Introduced legislation to relieve seniors of costly Medicare late-enrollment penalties
Congressman Smucker introduced the Seniors Healthcare Choice Act (H.R. 1845) to relieve seniors of a lifetime penalty for seniors who enroll in Medicare past the age of 65. Today, a senior who chooses to maintain their employer-sponsored health care plan through COBRA coverage, instead of Medicare, faces a lifetime late-enrollment penalty on their future Medicare plan. H.R. 1845 would end this lifetime penalty, providing seniors the flexibility to enroll in Medicare at a time that best fits their needs, without the threat of a burdensome and unnecessary financial penalty. Learn more about the bill here.
Cosponsored and voted for the Protecting Seniors Access to Medicare Act
Congressman Smucker cosponsored and voted in support of legislation to protect all seniors’ access to Medicare coverage regardless of their health conditions. The Affordable Care Act established the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) as a way to reduce Medicare spending. The board is charged with making Medicare cuts without Congressional oversight or input, giving the 15-member board unchecked power over Medicare spending which would directly impact seniors’ access to the care they deserve. Read more about the bill here.
Voted in support of the Right to Try Act
Congressman Smucker voted in support of the Right to Try Act to allow terminally-ill patients who have exhausted all other options to try medications that have passed basic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety protocols but have not yet completed the full, multiyear approval process. This passed Congress with bipartisan support and was signed into law on May 30, 2018. Read more about the bill here.
Voted in support of H.Res 5
Congressman Smucker voted for H.Res 5 when he first took office which included a provision that prohibits Congress from taking money from the Social Security Trust Fund in order to pay for other government programs. This legislation protects Social Security for current and future recipients.
Eliminating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
America’s seniors should be able to count on the programs they’ve paid into their entire lives. According to CMS, nearly 10 percent of Medicare spending was spent on improper payments. Prescriber fraud is increasing, but only 7 percent of complaints were investigated. That is why Congressman Smucker is working in Washington to put an end to waste, fraud, and abuse in Social Security and Medicare – ensuring the programs are sustainable for seniors.
Congressman Smucker is committed to strengthening the U.S. – Israel alliance and working with our ally to promote democracy, ensure our security, and protect the freedom of religion. The United States and Israel have an unbreakable bond rooted in shared values and interests. In August of 2017, Congressman Smucker visited Israel to gain a first-hand understanding of the regional challenges and America’s relationship with Israel. He believes that we must stand in solidarity with Israel when our mutual enemies such as Iran continue to engage in acts of aggression against the Jewish state.
During his trip to Israel, Congressman Smucker spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the importance of moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. The city is at the core of the nation’s foundation and history and it made sense for President Trump to move the embassy there.
Congressman Smucker cosponsored and voted for the Iranian Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 1698) when it passed the House of Representatives on October 26, 2017. This bipartisan legislation strengthens U.S. sanctions against Iran’s ballistic missile activity and illicit arms transfers.
Congressman Smucker cosponsored and voted for the Taylor Force Act (H.R. 1164) when it passed the House on December 5, 2017. This legislation prohibits any United States economic aid from being transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) until the PA certifies that it is taking steps to end acts of violence against U.S. and Israeli citizens perpetrated by individuals under its jurisdictional control, such as the March 2016 attack that killed former Army officer Taylor Force. The PA must also certify that it has not made any payments to terrorists and their families.
Congressman Smucker cosponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act (H.R. 1697) to combat the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) ledboycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement. This legislation expands the scope of current U.S. anti-boycott laws to ensure that international organizations do not undermine the economic and national security of our ally Israel.
On November 14,2017, Congressman Smucker joined 42 other Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urging the State Department to come up with a strategy for Syria that includes plans to prevent Iran from gaining a permanent foothold along Israel and Jordan’s borders.During his trip to Israel, Congressman Smucker overlooked the Golan Heights and saw first-hand that Iran has been increasing the number of troops stationed along Israel, which poses a clear threat to their security.
More at FairAndSimple.Gop
Final Tax Reform Bill Text.pdf
Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to Zero, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money.
Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes - from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively.
Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes - up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income - or sales - taxes to best fit their unique circumstances.
Takes action to support more American families by:
Expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and begins to phase-out for families making more than $400,000. Parents must provide a child's valid Social Security Number in order to receive this credit.
Preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support.
Preserving the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child.
Preserves the mortgage interest deduction - providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners.
For all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction.
For homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000.
Provides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, and rising to 10 percent beginning in 2019.
Continues and expands the deduction of charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization.
Eliminates Obamacare's individual mandate penalty tax - providing families with much-needed relief and flexibility to buy the health care that's right for them if they choose.
Maintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves.
Improves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary, and higher education.
Provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes.
Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future.
Increases the exemption amount from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to reduce the complexity and tax burden for millions of Americans.
Provides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many family-owned farms and businesses when they pass down their life's work to the next generation.
Congressman Smucker is voting to promote and protect our Pennsylvania values. He strongly supports pro-life measures, Second Amendment rights, and religious liberty. As a husband and father, Congressman Smucker understands the importance of advancing policies that protect the sanctity of life and uphold sacred family values.
Congressman Smucker believes that all life is sacred and has always voted for pro-life legislation.
Sent a letter to President Trump expressing our shared commitment in protecting the sanctity of life
Congressman Smucker joined nearly 150 Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Trump that outlined clear pro-life priorities for both Congress and the Administration such as:
Recognized the Pro-Life Movement on the House Floor
Congressman Smucker honored the pro-life movement by recognizing the 45th annual March for Life. In his speech, he stressed the need to continue the fight for the rights of the unborn and born. Watch the full speech here.
Voted for the Title X Abortion Funding Rule (H.J.Res. 43)
This critical legislation repeals an Obama Administration rule that would have forced states like Pennsylvania to give Title X funding to abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood. Read more about this resolution here.
Voted for the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act (H.R. 7)
This legislation makes the Hyde Amendment permanent, which bans taxpayer dollars from funding abortions at home. Read my statement about the passage of this bill here.
Voted for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 4712)
H.R. 4712 requires that healthcare providers that are present during an abortion must ensure that any child born alive is immediately transported and admitted to a hospital. Any healthcare practitioner that fails to do so will face strong criminal penalties. Read more about this bill here.
Voted for the American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628)
The American Health Care Act completely defunds Planned Parenthood and redirects the more than $500 million of taxpayer dollars from the abortion provider to community health centers for one year to ensure continued access to women’s health, but not abortion operations. Read more about this bill here.
In addition, Congressman Smucker has urged the Administration to undertake Pro-Life initiatives.
Congressman Smucker is a strong supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights and the United States Constitution. In Congress he has taken numerous actions to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners and to stop the federal government’s infringement on citizens’ right to bear arms.
Voted for the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38)
This legislation allows handgun owners who are legally permitted and authorized to carry a concealed firearm by their home state to carry a concealed firearm in other states that allow concealed carry. Read more about this bill here.
Led a letter to the House Appropriations committee to preserve access to imported firearms
Congressman Smucker’s letter demanded that no taxpayer funding be used to impose a ban on imported shotguns or relic firearms in the Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations bill.
Cosponsored the Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 367)
This critical legislation eliminates the $200 transfer tax on firearm suppressors and gets rid of burdensome regulations for law-abiding gunowners trying to protect their hearing. Read more about this bill here.
Congressman Smucker is working to ensure our religious liberties are protected. Religious freedom is an essential part of the core values of many Pennsylvanians. Families, individuals, employees, and employers alike should not be forced to violate these deeply held convictions.
Voted for the Condemning the persecution of Christians around the world resolution (H.Res. 407)
This resolution condemns the persecution and oppression of Christians around the world. Specifically, H. Res. 407 calls on countries and extremist groups to put an end to their persecution of religious minorities and to support universal religious freedom. Read more about this resolution here.
Voted for the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act (H.R. 390)
H.R. 392 provides emergency relief to victims of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Iraq and Syria, and provides for accountability for perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Read more about this bill here.
Voted for Rep. Palmer’s Amendment to the House Interior Appropriations Act (H.R. 3354)
This amendment protects employer groups that hold religious-based beliefs from being forced to hire people who disagree with their principles. Read more about this amendment here.
Congressman Smucker introduced the bipartisan VA Billing Accountability Act (H.R. 1972) to relieve veterans of financial burdens caused by delays at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation brings more stability and financial security to veterans’ post-military lives, by ensuring they are not receiving incorrect bills or unbilled copayments for VA care from years past. The VA Billing Accountability Act passed the House of Representatives on May 21, 2018. Read more about this bill here, or watch the bill pass the House here.
Congressman Smucker is co-leading the bipartisan Home for the Brave Act (H.R. 4322), which excludes a veteran’s disability compensation from countable income for purposes of qualifying for HUD housing assistance programs. Berks, Chester, and Lancaster Counties have all made national pledges to end veteran homelessness. This legislation supports that effort and helps ensure our nation’s heroes have a home to call their own. Read more about this bill here.
Many veterans have experienced difficulty at simply navigating the onerous bureaucracy at the VA, which include extensive backlogs and waiting times. Too often veterans are being deprived of quality care and service. This is simply unacceptable. That’s why Congressman Smucker voted in support of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S.1094), which was signed into law by President Trump. This new law will increase accountability at the VA and make it easier to remove, demote, or suspend any VA employee for poor performance and misconduct to improve overall care at the VA. Read more about this bill here.
The VA Mission Act streamlines 7 community care programs at the Department Veterans Affairs into one cohesive program, the Veterans Community Care Program to ensure that our nation’s veterans receive the best care possible. It also expands the VA Caregiver Program to all generations of veterans including post- 9/11 veterans. With Congressman Smucker’s vote and support, this legislation passed Congress and was signed into law by the President on June 6, 2018. Read more about this bill here.
Congressman Smucker is an original cosponsor of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act (H.R. 3218), which addresses many of the challenges with eligibility, training programs, and administrative barriers in the current GI Bill that limit participants access to education. The bill allows veterans to use the GI Bill throughout their lives instead of within 15 years of service and establishes a pilot program that enables veterans to attend non-traditional technology programs that will help them get jobs in high-demand fields right after completion. This critical legislation was signed by the President and became law on August 16, 2017. Read more about this bill here.
Congressman Smucker is a cosponsor of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which would extend VA disability coverage to Blue Water Navy veterans that served up to twelve miles off the coast of Vietnam and may have been exposed to the Agent Orange toxin. This important legislation ensures that our veterans receive health benefits for complications because of their service and reduces the backlog of VA claims so veterans can get access to quality care faster. H.R. 299 passed the House of Representatives on June 25, 2018. Read more about the bill here.
Following their service to our nation, unfortunately too many veterans fall victim to mental health issues, substance abuse, and homelessness, which can lead to them being caught up in the criminal justice system. To support our nation’s veterans, Congressman Smucker cosponsored the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act. This bipartisan legislation directs the U.S. Attorney General to establish and carry out a Veteran Treatment Court Program. Moreover, it provides the necessary federal resources to state and local governments to help with the cost of these programs. Read more about the bill here.
Service dogs have been a strong treatment option for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That’s why Congressman Smucker cosponsored the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act to ensure that our nation’s veterans get access to any care they need. The PAWS Act establishes a pilot program through the VA that provides service dogs to veterans to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Read more about the bill here.
Contact Our Office
If you are experiencing any casework issues with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs please contact Congressman Smucker’s staff at (717) 393-0667 or request help with a federal agency here.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Resources
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Veterans Crisis Line: All veterans, service members, and their loved ones can call the Veterans Crisis Line at (800) 273-8255 and Press 1 or send a text message to 838255 to help individuals coping with mental health issues. Callers will receive confidential assistance from a trained responder 24 hours every day of the week, for 365 days of the year.