If humming is a sure sign of happiness, we have some very happy children creating Lego masterpieces as I write my column this Saturday morning. The lovely harmony created by one family reminds me of bees buzzing in a flowerbed! more

It was one of those random conversations spurred by a bit on the news about population growth: Benton County, Arkansas, has experienced phenomenal growth. more

This week, I’d like to feature a book called “2 Good 2 Be 4Gotten” by Dr. Max Decker. Written in 2012, the author of this book, Max, was my Cousin Twice Removed (my Grandpa’s first cousin.) His mother, Gladys Martin Decker, was a sister to Katie Martin Patillo (my great grandmother.) My second great-grandparents were Richard Cowden Martin and Tennessee James Martin. more

Last weekend, as the pulsing beats and eclectic vibes of Coachella's second weekend filled the air of Palm Desert, many of us found ourselves far from the action, yet deeply connected thanks to the wonders of technology. There I was, sprawled on my couch, streaming the festival live on YouTube, a makeshift festival-goer in the digital age. more

It’s time to be honest with you. more

Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” But for Missouri farmers, taxes are about to become a lot more uncertain. Barring action from Congress, many key tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will expire at the end of 2025, leading to a significant tax increase for our state’s agricultural industry. more

Missourians have an incredible opportunity and responsibility to impact how broadband deployment funds will be distributed across our state. For the first time, Missourians can provide on-the-ground feedback about which homes and businesses still lack access to reliable, high-speed broadband.  more

President Joe Biden frequently says, “Don't tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value.” Well, as Biden’s recently released budget proposal for next year makes clear, he is once again doubling down on the very same failed policies that are bankrupting America, waging war on U.S. energy, and fueling the most painful economic crisis in decades. There’s no question that his budget plan is the wrong recipe for America. more

Some buddies and I have a contest called "Dad of the Year." Before you question my parenting skills, let me explain the game. There are no rules, judges or winner. The theory behind "Dad of the Year" is straightforward. Every player steps up and does whatever they can to be an award-winning dad. Making sure your kids brush their teeth, helping with homework, finding that lost toy (or buying a secret replacement) — I mean doing whatever it takes. more

Like so many in southeast and south-central Missouri, agriculture has always been an important part of my life. I’ll never forget the memories I have as a young kid spending time at, and working on, my grandparents’ farm — the very same one I own, operate, and live on today. The experience and skills I gained were very valuable, but nothing made me better prepared to run my cattle ranch — or serve in Congress — than my local FFA chapter. That’s because FFA is about much more than growing crops and raising animals; It’s about growing leaders. more

Dear Readers, more

Dear Readers, more

When my colleagues selected me to lead the Ways and Means Committee in Congress, which has responsibility for writing our tax laws, I promised that my number one priority would be looking out for the interests of working-class Americans, small businesses, and family farmers. From day one in my role as chairman, I have worked around the clock to write legislation that would deliver on that promise. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, a pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-American tax cuts package will directly benefit thousands of hardworking families in southeast and south-central Missouri. Having passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming support on Jan. 31, this bill is one step closer to becoming law. more

Right now, our nation is facing an unprecedented border crisis. In just December alone, more than 300,000 illegal immigrants were caught trying to cross our southern border — the most ever in one month and a 300% increase from December 2020 when President Donald Trump was in office. In total, there have been more than 10 million illegal border entries under President Joe Biden. more

The calendar may show February, and while Missouri still has another month and a half of winter ahead, this recent bout of warm weather has kicked spring fever into high gear. We all know more snow and cold weather will return, but it sure is nice to see the sunshine and think spring thoughts.  more

Dear Readers, more

Each January, voting delegates from all around the country gather at American Farm Bureau’s (AFBF) annual convention. Appropriately themed “New Frontiers,” this year’s gathering was held last week in Salt Lake City, Utah. more

My parents raised my siblings and me to show honor and respect, not only to our elders but also to our teachers, church leaders, police officers ... well, pretty much anyone in charge of anything.  more

About a month ago, my son, Max, forgot how to tie his shoes. He's been tying his shoes like a pro for more than a year now. So, he and his sister, Charlie, did what kids do these days — they looked up a tutorial on YouTube. The video combined with a quick refresher from my wife tied up the loose ends and Max was soon back in business.  more

Dear Readers, more