IMPORTANT UPDATES from CONGRESSMAN SMUCKER

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This week I want to share with you my visit to the National Law Enforcement Memorial, the 2021 Art Competition winner, committee activity, and honoring the Armed Forces.

Due to the success of Operation Warp Speed, which harnessed the full force of the federal government and private industry, fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks, according to a recent announcement by the CDC. Thank you to the scientists and doctors who worked to help restore our way of life.

I received the vaccine earlier this year and would encourage you to sign up to receive a vaccine, if you have not already done so. Everyone should make health decisions for themselves, but if you have questions about the vaccine, please talk to your physician or health care provider. To schedule an appointment at the Lancaster County Community Vaccination Center at Park City visit www.vaccinatelancaster.org, call 717-588-1020 or walk-in to receive your vaccine. York County residents can find additional information on vaccine distribution at https://www.vaccinateyorkpa.org/. 

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.

National Police Week 
On National Police Week, I joined Leader Kevin McCarthy for the Back the Blue Bike Tour with other Republican members and Capitol Police. We must never forget the sacrifice of those who have fallen while protecting our communities. I laid a wreath to honor Eleventh District hero Officer David Tome at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington. 

Officer Tome served with the Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD) and was killed in the line of duty in 2008. Last October, I participated in a dedication ceremony for the NYCRPD who named their Spring Grove substation in Officer Tome’s honor. 

I want to thank all of the police officers in the Eleventh District and across the nation for their selfless service protecting our communities each day.

Tax Day Reminder
The new filing deadline for your 2020 federal taxes is Monday May 17, 2021. Read more information on the filing extension from the IRS here. Pennsylvania has also extended the 2020 filing deadline to May 17, 2021.

2021 Art Competition Winner
I want to congratulate this year’s winner of the 2021 Art Competition Ryan from Elizabethtown High School. Ryan’s piece is a Digital Art titled “Veterans Memorial Bridge (Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge).” I am excited for this piece to be hung up in the United State Capitol Complex. Check out all of the submissions from this year, our district truly did a great job!

Lancaster County Turns 292!
On May 10, 1729 Lancaster County was founded. Happy Birthday to Lancaster County!

I am honored each day to represent Lancaster in Congress and look forward to York County’s 272nd birthday later this year.

Biden’s Border Crisis
President Biden has done absolutely nothing to stop the humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border. The Vice President is absent and the crisis the administration created continues to grow. In April, CBP encountered 178,622 persons attempting to illegally cross the border. For months, the administration has done nothing to solve the issue. 

Americans Need to Return to Work 
The terrible jobs report last week showed an unemployment rate INCREASED to 6.1 percent, missing expectations by nearly 1 million jobs. Our nation has 8.1 million jobs available, but the Democrats would rather pay Americans more to stay home. We need pro-growth policies, not ones that build greater government dependence.

Washington, DC Update
Committee Activity
Helping to support foster children has been a priority of mine since coming to Congress. During a Ways and Means hearing this week, I asked how Congress can better support foster children, their educations, and careers. Listen to my comments below.

I appreciated the opportunity to speak with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Tai regarding how we are ensuring Canada’s dairy markets are open according to the guidelines of the USMCA and my serious concerns regarding intellectual property waivers for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Honoring Those in Uniform
May 15, 2021 is Armed Forces Day. While each day all Americans should honor those who wear the uniform to defend our freedom we thank each service member an extra amount. Thank you, for defending our freedoms and protecting the United States of America.

I celebrated the 75th anniversary of the New Holland VFW. This VFW post was named in honor of Charles Ludwig who died fighting in WWII. On Armed Forces Day we must honor all those in uniform. 

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. 

Since taking office in 2017, my office has been able to return nearly $6 million to our constituents. This money returned to constituents comes in released tax refunds, processed Social Security payments and paid veterans’ benefits. While my office cannot guarantee a positive outcome for every constituent, my staff works to ensure that the hardworking taxpayers of Pennsylvania’s 11th District receive the benefits they are entitled to by law and that they are afforded the responsive and professional service they deserve. 

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