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.
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.