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IMPORTANT UPDATES from CONGRESSMAN SMUCKER
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I want to share with you updates from Washington, actions I have taken as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, and several legislative activities. 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 would 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.
Ensuring Voter Confidence
Last week, I introduced the Voter Confidence Act with Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-10), which would establish a bipartisan and bicameral commission to bolster voter confidence in future federal elections and review the practices and policies of federal, state, and local election officials and the impact they had on the security and integrity of the election.
Reestablishing voter confidence should not be a partisan exercise. And I am hopeful it will not be. This legislation is an effort to rebuild voters’ trust in our electoral process by disseminating best practices and bringing together expert voices from across the nation. Many states, including Pennsylvania, have started to review their election laws, and I am hopeful this commission will aid them in their efforts to strengthen election integrity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also unquestionably impacted last year’s election administration. This commission would share best practices for administering elections during pandemics or other national emergencies, ensuring the security of mail-in or absentee ballots, and bolstering confidence in the integrity of future elections.
I recently penned an op-ed to discuss the Voter Confidence Act, which appeared in the York Daily Record.
Supporting Our Veterans
I have reintroduced the Veterans Affairs Billing Accountability Act to end to surprise billing of medical care for our nation’s heroes. This legislation passed the House in a previous session of Congress, but I am hopeful that this will be the final session that this issue remains for our nation’s brave veterans.
Nearly 40,000 veterans call Pennsylvania’s Eleventh Congressional District home. I am thankful for the service of each individual and their efforts to protect and preserve the rights that we enjoy. This legislation is a small way to show appreciation for their service to our nation and is a big step towards ensuring that veterans receive the care they deserve.
The VA Billing Accountability Act would require the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to set specific and clear billing requirements, so veterans do not receive outdated bills for co-payments from the VA.
Learn more about the VA Billing Accountability Act on my website.
117th Committee Assignments
For the 117th Congress, I have been appointed to serve on the House Committee on Ways and Means and as one of two members on the Ways and Means Committee to also sit on the House Committee on the Budget.
For the Committee on Ways and Means, I was appointed to serve on the Worker & Family Support Subcommittee and the Oversight Subcommittee.
I am excited to get to work as an official member of the committee, advocating for small businesses, hard-working families, and farmers of Pennsylvania’s Eleventh District. I will continue to fight for pro-growth policies that strengthen our economy and provide additional economic opportunities for those looking to live their American Dream.
I am looking forward to serving again as a member of the House Committee on the Budget, joining Ranking Member Jason Smith’s panel to fight for fiscal responsibility and against the radical proposals that House Democrats seek to advance. It is already clear that House Democrats will not shy from skipping committee consideration of procedural measures like budget reconciliation in order to advance purely partisan policies.
Ways and Means Committee Activity
This week during a Ways and Means Committee mark-up, I offered an amendment to support targeted aid to non-profit and community-based organizations who are struggling by increasing federal support for these organizations' unemployment insurance to 100%.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Ways and Means Committee Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady to provide additional targeted relief to these critical community supports.
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Nursing homes and long-term care facilities have been hit hard by COVID-19 in Pennsylvania and across our country. Governors in states like New York continue to avoid releasing complete data on the tragic impact their decisions have caused in nursing homes. Here in Pennsylvania, the former Secretary of Health took her own elderly mother out of a long-term care facility and placed her in a hotel. If it was unsafe for her own mother, why should other older Pennsylvanians be forced to deal with the consequences of her decision?
This week during a Ways and Means Committee mark-up. Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23) introduced an amendment to hold governors accountable for tragic COVID-related nursing home deaths; the Democrats blocked this amendment. Why are House Democrats protecting officials in states like New York and Pennsylvania for their mismanagement of COVID-19 in nursing homes? Families of those in nursing homes and long-term care facilities deserve answers and accountability, not excuses.
Importance of Community Colleges
This week, it was great to share my story and speak at the Association of Community College Trustees National Legislative Summit. Community colleges play an important role in our education system and help individuals live their American Dream.
Presidents’ Day
February 15, 2021, we recognize Presidents’ Day and honor and celebrate our Founding Fathers like George Washington.
Black History Month
Each February, we take time to honor and recognize Black History Month. Learn more about the history behind Black History Month and more from the National Park Service’s educational resources.
Economic Impact Payments
The latest COVID-19 relief package passed at the conclusion of the 116th Congress included an additional $600 in direct payments to the American people. The IRS’s website has answers to commonly asked questions related to this stimulus. If you did not receive the full economic impact payment you may be able to utilize the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing your 2020 taxes to rectify the $600 payment.
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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