Supporting the People of Ukraine 

Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Zelensky addressed members of Congress, in what I believe was a very moving speech. Zelensky shared a video to draw contrast to what Ukrainian cities looked like prior to the Russian invasion and now after several weeks of bombing and devastation. It was a historic moment.

He challenged America and spoke directly to President Biden and said, “being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace.” We are continuing to witness atrocities in Ukraine being carried out at the direction of a war criminal, Russian President Vladimir Putin. He must be stopped.

When future generations of Americans look back at this speech and at this moment, they will judge what America did in response. They will judge whether America stood up for freedom and democracy. We must be doing all that we can to support Ukraine as they bravely work to defend their nation against this Russian invasion.

While at times I am critical of policies advanced by Speaker Pelosi and congressional Democrats, I can say, in this instance, that there is no daylight between Republicans and Democrats alike. We are united in our commitment to stop Putin’s ability to wage this war. Congress has been pushing the Biden administration to advance punitive measures against Russia and providing support to Ukraine.

In the last two weeks, I have supported legislative measures to provide nearly $14 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. I voted in support of legislation to end the importation of Russian oil and energy which was financing Russia’s war efforts. You can read my thoughts about these pieces of legislation here and watch my floor remarks here. I also voted in favor of legislation to impose additional economic pain on Russia through suspending their favored trade status. Ways and Means Republican members were instrumental in advancing this legislation.

And while Congress advanced legislation to ban the importation of Russian oil, it is critical that we unleash American energy production. Why should we be asking other nations to increase their oil production when we have the ability to increase domestic production? American energy independence is a national security issue, and we must reverse Biden’s anti-energy policies now.

Please continue to pray for the people of Ukraine.

40-Year High Inflation Impacting Middle-Class & Seniors

Last week, it was announced that inflation remained at a 40-year high with prices increasing 7.9 percent over last year. Earnings fell .8 percent last month and wages are down nearly 3 percent since last year due to inflation.

Inflation is impacting the lives of folks across Lancaster & York counties and across the country. These issues need to be front and center for my colleagues on the Budget Committee. I’ve heard stories from 1,000+ constituents about how inflation is impacting their lives. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. It’s critical that my colleagues know that the inflation they’re causing through spending trillions is having a real impact on our community.   

I’m thinking of Connie from New Holland, who had to take on a part-time job to make ends meet because of the elevated costs caused by inflation. I’m thinking of Tanya of Lancaster who was impacted by the high energy costs of heating her home this winter. I’m thinking of Sherry from Columbia who told me inflation restricts “what she eats and where she goes” and that inflation impacts her buying power.

Watch my comments on the impact of inflation from a recent hearing of the House Budget Committee by clicking below.

2022 Art Competition is Now Underway! 

The 2022 Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide high school arts competition, is officially on! I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s outstanding student entries. Interested teachers and students can learn more about the competition and submission process by visiting my website. The winning entry will be prominently displayed in the United States Capitol! Below is the 2021 winning entry from Pennsylvania’s 11th District which is currently on display in the Capitol. It was submitted by a student from Elizabethtown High School.

Important Information for Filing Your Taxes 

This year’s tax season is underway, with a filing deadline of April 18, 2022. Be sure to visit the IRS’s website and the links below for helpful information about filing taxes this year. If you did not receive an Economic Impact Payment this year, which you believe you are eligible for, click here to learn more about claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.

If you received advanced payments of the Advanced Child Care Tax Credit, click here to learn how to reconcile your advanced child care tax credit payments on this year’s tax filing. Familiarize yourself with the IRS’s online tools to help you find important information and read the IRS’s FAQs on expected processing times and refunds.

Looking for IRS forms? Visit their Forms, Instructions, & Publications Page by clicking here.
Looking for free assistance with preparing your tax return? Visit the IRS website to find an organization that can assist you.

Thanks for Visiting! 

It was great to meet with apple growers from across Pennsylvania, including Ryan from the family-owned and operated Hess Brother's Fruit Company in Lancaster, to discuss trade and labor policies.  

Thanks to members of the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association for stopping by my Washington, DC office this week to discuss policies impacting assisted living facilities and personal care homes.

Here to Help

To any veteran, there is always support available at the Veterans Crisis Line. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255. Visit the Veterans Crisis Line website for more information.

Looking for information on federal grants? Learn more about the grant awarding process and search the federal database of grant programs at www.grants.gov.

If you have any questions or issues with a federal agency, please know that my office is here to assist you. You can call my district or Washington, DC offices for assistance or visit my website for any issue with a federal agency or department.

Stay Connected

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