House Passes the REINS Act

The House passed H.R. 277, known as the REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act). I was proud to support the legislation.

The REINS Act is a much-needed restoration of congressional oversight in Washington. Executive agencies for too long have exercised too much authority, which is having a significant impact on taxpayers too frequently. Ensuring that Congress has the final say on major rules is a step in the right direction of making government more accountable to the people.

The legislation would require congressional approval of major executive department regulations, including those which would have an estimated impact on the economy of $100 million or more, increase in costs or prices for consumers, or impact American businesses’ ability to compete with foreign-based enterprises. Some level of government regulation is appropriate, but too often the pendulum swings too far in the direction of government overreach. I believe the REINS Act will allow Congress to restore a proper balance to our nation’s regulatory structure.

According to a recent report from the American Action Forum, a non-profit research organization, rules issued by President Biden’s administration through 2022 have cost taxpayers an estimated $318 billion.  

Ways & Means Committee Releases Whistleblower Testimony, Advances Trade Legislation

This week the Ways & Means Committee voted to release the testimony of two whistleblowers who are employees of the IRS. Their testimony alleges Department of Justice interference in investigations concerning Hunter Biden and retaliation against IRS employees who made their concerns known. What is clear from their testimony is that all taxpayers are not being treated the same. There are many questions remaining, and I am hopeful oversight will continue to be exercised to seek the truth.

Read the whistleblowers’ testimony here.

The Ways & Means Committee also advanced legislation to reassert Congress’s role in regulating international commerce and trade, through legislation regarding America’s trade relationship with Taiwan. This bipartisan legislation advanced through committee and was approved by the House, as well. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Listen to my remarks about the legislation during its consideration in committee by clicking the image below.

House Advances Legislation to Provide Affordable, Flexible Health Care Options 

This week, the House advanced legislation which will provide workers, self-employed individuals, and small businesses with affordable and flexible health care options. The CHOICE Arrangement Act will allow employers to provide funds to their employees to purchase a health insurance plan of their choice.

This legislation will also allow small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together to create association health plans, that allow for the purchase of health plans across state lines and expand options to lower cost care.

Click here to learn more about The CHOICE Arrangement Act.

Listen to my remarks in favor this legislation by clicking the image below:

2023 Congressional App Challenge

I’m proud to announce that my office is joining the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. This is a nationwide competitive program for middle and high school students to put their classroom lessons in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to the test.

Students will work as a part of a team to develop computer or mobile phone apps and submit their app for review.

I look forward to reviewing the creative apps that students will develop and would encourage any middle or high school student to participate, regardless of their experience with coding. I am certain this will be a fun and rewarding activity for students.

Students can learn more about the 2023 Congressional App Challenge and register their teams by clicking here.

Do you need a passport? Do not delay, apply today! 

My office has received an increased number of questions recently concerning applying for and renewing passports. Due to increased volume of applications, processing times have increased.

As of Friday, June 23, 2023, routine processing times are between 10-13 weeks and expedited processing times are between 7-9 weeks. Do not delay applying for or renewing your passport if you require it for travel, apply today.

Click here to visit the Department of State’s website for more information.

Many individuals have contacted my office with questions and concerns about receiving their passports in time to travel. I joined nearly 200 Members of Congress in asking the State Department about their plans to improve service. Read our letter by clicking here.

Visits in the District 

It was great to meet with Lancaster City Council Member Janet Diaz and her mother in Washington, thanks for the great discussion!

Thanks to staff of CNH Industrial of New Holland for visiting with me in Washington to discuss the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill and energy policies.

I appreciated the behind-the-scenes tour of Campbell’s Pepperidge Farm production facility in Denver and the opportunity to meet the hard-working employees. Pennsylvania’s 11th District produces some tasty treats!

Thanks to local members of the National Federation of Independent Businesses for visiting me in Washington to discuss policies impacting small businesses in our community!

Smucker Service Corner 

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.

My office was able to assist Janna from Lancaster receive her overdue IRS tax refund.    

My office was able to assist Joe from Marietta with an issue he was experiencing with the Social Security Administration.  

My office assisted Paul from York Township with an issue he was experiencing with the Small Business Administration.

My office provided assistance to Tim from Hallam with the National Personnel Records Center, which provided Tim his military discharge papers, known as form DD214, so he can apply for Veterans Affairs benefits. Thanks for your service, Tim!

Here to Help

Veterans receiving care at the Lebanon VA Medical Center may be eligible for a new transportation service called VA Uber Health Connect. Learn more from the Lebanon VA Medical Center here.

Recently the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched. Individuals who are struggling or in crisis can simply call or text 988 to reach trained counselors. Individuals can also visit https://988lifeline.org/ to chat with a counselor. Click here to learn more about the lifeline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Many individuals have recently contacted my office looking for assistance with their unemployment compensation claims, which are administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, not federal agencies. If you’re seeking assistance with your unemployment claim, you can contact your state legislator for assistance. Click here to find your state legislator’s contact 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.

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