Jason Smith, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 8th District, recently made a visit to the Ozarks Regional Stockyard in West Plains, available to lend an ear to cattle producers and hear concerns about an industry that brings a lot of dollars to the area.
“It was great to be back at Ozarks Regional Stockyards in West Plains,” said Smith in a press release provided to the Quill following the Dec. 19 visit. “As a cattle rancher, I know how hard these men and women work to feed the world. I also know that the last thing they need is the federal government getting in the way. During my visit, local producers made it clear that the biggest challenge they’re facing is sky-high input costs — a painful consequence of the left’s $10 trillion spending spree, which created and continues to fuel the worst cost-of-living crisis in generations."
"Ever since President Joe Biden took office, it has gotten harder and harder for farmers and ranchers to purchase feed, fuel and fertilizer," Smith continued. "But make no mistake, I’m fighting tooth and nail to stop the wasteful spending and get our economy back on track.”
Smith describes himself as a tireless advocate for Missouri farmers and ranchers and says he has worked to expand access to new markets, get rid of burdensome regulations, expand health care and ensure access to broadband internet as part of his commitment to strengthening rural communities.
“Making sure our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to compete and succeed is a top priority,” he added. "Ever since I was elected to Congress, I’ve worked around-the-clock to get rid of overreaching regulations, including the WOTUS rule and other radical environmental policies."
The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule refers to a collection of federal clean water standards applied to certain bodies of water.
"And as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade policy," Smith added, "I’m leading the effort to get the Biden administration to wake up when it comes to trade, whether it’s holding our trade partners accountable or expanding access for U.S. agriculture products. While I know the last few years under the Biden administration have been very tough, Missouri farmers and ranchers are incredibly resilient and never back down from a challenge.”
“For as long as I’m in Washington, I will continue doing everything I can to deliver for the hardworking men and women who produce the best agriculture products found anywhere in the world,” he concluded.
