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IMPORTANT UPDATES from CONGRESSMAN SMUCKER
I want to share with you updates from Washington, my statement on the events from the Capitol last week, a thank you to Capitol Police, a statement on the recent impeachment, and valuable information for you regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. It is critical we remain vigilant against COVID-19 and continue to practice CDC guidelines. You can always visit the dedicated coronavirus page on my website for additional information.
I enjoy hearing from you and responding to questions from your emails, phone calls, and letters. If you’d like to share your concerns or opinions with me, or if you have questions about legislation or specific votes, you can send me an email here.
Violence and Destruction Are Unacceptable
The storming of the Capitol and assault on law enforcement by extremists last week was wholly unacceptable. As disturbing images of the event continue to circulate, I remain sickened that a mob attacked and killed a uniformed member of law enforcement.
I fully reject the violence that occurred last Wednesday and support the prosecution of the insurrectionists to the fullest extent of the law. We as Americans must recognize that this violence and destruction is simply unacceptable - it is not who we are as a nation.
Following every election, Republicans and Democrats must come together to govern, and that is true now more than ever. I fear that in the coming days that more will be done to divide, not to unite us.
On January 20th, President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn into office. Congress will have to work with his Administration to address the many challenging issues facing our nation. Where possible, I commit to my constituents that I will work with his Administration and my Democrat colleagues in Congress, but I will continue to advocate for Republican principles like limited government, fiscal stewardship and renewing the American Dream for all.
Members of Congress share and champion ideas as diverse as the communities that make up our great nation. It is critical that Members of the 117th Congress recommit to civility and the central idea of legislating, that holding different policy beliefs does not make one another enemies. This includes my colleagues in the House Republican Conference and Members of the House Democratic Caucus. I will recommit myself to these ideals. A debate in the 'public square' should be open to all. It must be peaceful, respectful, and compassionate, especially when we disagree.
We must continue to thank the U.S. Capitol policemen and women who defend our Capitol with valor, as well as keep them in our prayers. I also extend prayers of comfort to the family of Officer Howard Liebengood and to the family of Officer Brian Sicknick.
Thank You Capitol Police
This week while back in Washington, I joined many of my colleagues in displaying a sign of appreciation to members of the Capitol Police from me and my staff. We appreciate all that these brave men and women do, day in and day out, to keep us safe.
Statement on Impeachment
This week, House Democrats for the second time introduced articles of impeachment against President Trump, which I opposed. President Trump will be out of office in less than a week’s time. This week’s vote on articles of impeachment is a rush to judgment, and will have no practical, immediate effect given the Senate is not slated to return to session until January 19th, the day before President Trump will leave office and President-elect Joe Biden is sworn-in as President.
We must unite and move forward together as a nation and the impeachment vote does not help us do either. Read my full statement on my website.
Paycheck Protection Program
I am thankful that at the conclusion of the 116th Congress, bipartisan legislation to provide additional support to families and small businesses was signed into law by the President. The reauthorization of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will provide much needed and targeted aid to small businesses who are struggling. I have been personally advocating to allow for a second round of PPP for small businesses with the greatest need, in addition to calling for a fix to ensure expenses paid with forgiven loans remain tax deductible; I am proud to see both provisions included in the final bill. I was also encouraged to see dedicated support for the live events industry included. The PPP has helped thousands of small businesses across Pennsylvania’s Eleventh District support approximately 100,000 jobs. I am thankful this program will continue to support our small business community.
The PPP reopened this week. To learn more visit: the SBA’s website.
Direct Payment Relief
In addition to the reopening of the PPP this legislation also provided an additional $600 in direct payments to the American people. According to the IRS they have sent direct payments of $600 to 113 million Americans via direct deposit and 34 million Americans via a paper check or debit card.
If you have not yet received your economic impact payment you can visit the IRS website to check on your payment status.
New Committee Assignment
This week, I was appointed by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve on the House Committee on Ways and Means. Established in 1789, the Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest committee in Congress with broad jurisdiction over taxation and trade policy. It is an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve on this influential committee. As a small business owner, I know first-hand how taxation and government regulation impact the nearly 13,000 small businesses in Lancaster and York counties. I will continue to advocate on behalf of small businesses, families, and farmers. Read my full statement on my website.
New Washington, DC Office Location:
My Washington, D.C. Office has moved from 127 Cannon House Office Building to 302 Cannon House Office Building.
I am excited to share this space with you once we return to normal operations in the U.S. Capitol. It is an honor to represent the Eleventh District in Congress and our new office is ready to serve you.
All of our office phone and fax numbers, as well as my district office locations in Lancaster, Hanover, and Red Lion remain the same.
116th Congress in Review
It is an honor to serve the Eleventh District in Congress. In the 116th Congress, my office has assisted nearly 3,000 constituents who were experiencing issues with federal departments or agencies. This assistance also resulted in a return of nearly $4.4 million to our constituents. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal agency or department visit my website.
Looking Forward to the 117th Congress
I want to thank the voters of Lancaster and southern York Counties for the continued opportunity to represent Pennsylvania’s Eleventh District in Washington, D.C. I am honored and humbled to have earned your trust again. I will continue to fight every day to move our nation forward in the right direction and to ensure the voices of my constituents are heard in our nation’s Capital.
I will continue to support policies to restore our way of life, rebuild our economy in the wake of a devastating pandemic, and renew the American Dream by providing opportunity for all. I remain steadfast in my promotion of freedom and personal accountability.
I will stand against the unchecked growth of government, including the debt, deficit, and bureaucratic red tape, as well as the threat of socialism which stands in direct opposition to our free enterprise system and the principles on which our great country was founded.
Religious Freedom Day
Saturday, January 16th is recognized as Religious Freedom Day. Our First Amendment guarantees our right to worship as we choose.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
President Ronald Reagan in 1983 signed into law a bill that established Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As President Reagan stated in his speech before signing the legislation: “Each year on Martin Luther King Day, let us not only recall Dr. King, but rededicate ourselves to the Commandments he believed in and sought to live every day: Thou shall love thy God with all thy heart, and thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. And I just have to believe that all of us -- if all of us, young and old, Republicans and Democrats, do all we can to live up to those Commandments, then we will see the day when Dr. King's dream comes true.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an incredibly significant holiday, as it reminds us of Dr. King’s legacy, of Dr. King’s works and serves as a reminder that there is more work to be done to bring compassion, understanding, and unity in our nation.
Here to Help
If you have any questions or issues with a federal agency, please know that my office is here to assist you. You can call our district or Washington, DC offices for assistance or visit my website for any issue with a federal agency or department.
To stay up-to-date on my work in the district and Washington, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also check out my YouTube page where there are 100+ videos, many of which are direct responses to your questions.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Smucker
Member of Congress
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