Smith has historic rise to Ways and Means

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jason Smith has been named to the prestigious Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over all taxation, tariffs, and other revenue-raising measures, as well as Social Security, Medicare, and a number of other programs.

Smith was elected in a special election in 2013 upon the resignation of Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson. He was elected to his first full term weeks ago and his appointment to the committee marks one of the quickest rises in history to the committee.

Sources say Sen. Roy Blunt was influential in the appointment.

Former Democratic House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt, who represented the St. Louis area for over 25 years, served on the committee. Gephardt ran for president twice.

Congressman Paul Ryan was announced to be serving as the chairman of the committee this morning. Ryan was the vice presidential nominee under Mitt Romney in 2012.

Smith represent’s the 8th District of Missouri, which encompasses southeast Missouri from Rolla to Sikeston.