Congressman Jason Smith Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Care for Patients with Kidney Failure
Today, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) introduced legislation to help increase choice & care options for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). H.R. 5659, the Expanding Seniors Receiving Dialysis’ Choice Act of 2016, or ESRD Choice Act, will remove current government rules and restrictions preventing ESRD patients from accessing more flexible and managed care plans targeted to those with chronic medical conditions.
Upon introduction, Smith remarked, “Over 11,000 individuals in Missouri are currently living with ERSD. Patients suffering from ESRD are those most in need of affordable and flexible high-quality care. For too long these patients have been told by the federal government that for no good reason they are being denied access to certain care and coverage options.” Smith continued, “That’s why I’m pleased to introduce the ESRD Choice Act with a group of bipartisan colleagues. The legislation helps ensure some of our most vulnerable patients can have the care options they want and they deserve, the care options of their choice. I’m especially encouraged that with this bill, low-income beneficiaries will have the option to choose a plan which helps minimize their out of pocket expenses and ensures that a serious medical condition isn’t the devastating financial burden it can so often be. These are the solutions Americans deserve, and these are the solutions I will continue to deliver as we work to improve our health care system.”
There are more than 640,000 Americans living with kidney failure, or ESRD. However, patients with the pre-existing condition of ESRD are currently the only group specifically denied the ability to enroll in the more flexible care plans such as Medicare Advantage. The Smith bill would allow these patients to access the coverage plan of their choice without interference from the government telling them they are denied coverage.
As Americans we are proud of our country and always sensitive when tragedy strikes one of our communities. We band together, believe in prayer, and are often generous with financial contributions to help rebuild. And, often when tragedies do strike we instantly ask – “how did this happen?” It’s a natural reaction when we obviously care for one another, but it also leads us to seek the truth and factual information about the situation. Unfortunately, politics often complicates these tragedies because all too often opinions are ready to be given based on ‘solutions’ to an agenda. However, those reactions often take meaning from the truth and reality of what occurred. Quite frankly, I believe this has been occurring too frequently and the tactics that are employed to achieve an agenda are sickening.
Liberals in the House of Representatives used similar tactics when they tried to use recent events in this country to limit law abiding American’s second amendment rights – they knew their sit in, use of photography on the House Floor and their actions were all against the rules of the House, but they didn’t care. I watched as they ushered themselves into the U.S. House chamber with their own cameras to voice their protest and read statements blaming firearms, not terrorists or those who illegally obtain firearms for the tragedies. Unfortunately, just like their counterparts in the Administration they have also ignored straight forward answers and facts when it comes to gun violence.
For instance, they often demonize assault weapons as the root cause of the violence, however they never mention that assault weapons are fully-automatic weapons that have been illegal to import and manufacture to the general population since 1986. They also fail to realize that the semi-automatic weapons they reference are actually the same type of firearm that hunters and sportsmen, like myself and thousands of others in Missouri and across the country own, and ironically in some cases this is the same type of semi-automatic weapon used to control wildlife populations in our national and state parks both of which liberals often support. They also never provide the honest and straightforward answer that nearly 5 times as many people are killed each year by blunt objects or beaten to death at the hands of an assailant than are killed with a rifle of any kind.
Most dishonest however, is when the Liberals blame guns for the driving force behind homicides in the country. In reality, more than 60% of homicides are suicides and these often involve mental illness, which is a serious issue that many of us are trying to work together on in a bipartisan way. In fact, just this week, I offered my support behind legislation to mitigate the shortage of psychiatric beds and child psychiatrists in this country to better address the symptoms of mental health disorders before they turn into catastrophic actions.
These are the facts and straight forward answers we aren’t getting from the liberal left or the media when it comes to the truth about our second amendment rights. And the reason is simple, because they want to use recent events around this country to promote their agenda of impeding on the constitutionally protected rights guaranteed to all law abiding citizens. Offering compassion or generosity to one another in a time of need or sorrow is something we can be proud of as Americans. And, I believe we do have a great deal to be proud of, especially who we are and our unique form of government, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of something so cheap as television ratings and political posturing.
American Conservative Union is leading, oldest, and most trusted voice in Advancing Conservatism
Washington, D.C.- Yesterday, Congressman Jason Smith received an award from the American Conservative Union (ACU) for his conservative voting record and advancement of conservative policies and principles. The American Conservative Union is the leading and most respected group evaluating the Conservative record of Members of Congress and honoring those who uphold the principles of expanding personal liberties and freedoms. Representative Smith received the highest conservative score among the members of the Missouri delegation.
Upon receiving the award, Smith said, “It is humbling to be honored simply for voting the way the folks of southeast and south central Missouri would come to expect. The individual freedoms and our way of life I am fighting for are what folks sent me here to do. Smith continued, “We are under a constant assault from the liberal left trying to grow government and take away constitutionally protected rights from the small business owners, farmers and families of Missouri. I will continue to fight for the folks back home against an ever growing government trying to regulate every aspect of our lives.”
The American Conservative Union is the leading voice in providing conservative positions and advancing a conservative agenda in Congress. ACU honors those Members of Congress who have pledged to uphold conservative values and actually then backed up those words with actions.
The American Conservative Union celebrates the legacy of Ronald Reagan by supporting policies and leaders in Congress who support economic growth through less taxes, balanced budgets, reductions in regulations and cutting federal spending. Additionally, ACU supports Members who advance measures to protect the 2nd Amendment, grow religious freedoms and individual liberties while also supporting an increase in the integrity and transparency of government.
Shown in the photo from left to right: Congressman Smith, ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp)
Sikeston, Missouri - Below are the Official Minutes of the Bootheel Conservative Republican Club Meeting held on June 2, 2016 at the Grecian Steakhouse in Sikeston, Missouri received in our office today, July 5, 2016 at 9:23 a.m.
Meeting was called to order by Chair Anna Voelker at 6:30 pm.
Secretary's Report: The following were in attendance: Anna Voelker, Chair, John McMillen, VP, Alan Pendergrass, Secretary, Carrie Yanson, Betty McMillen, , John Chadd, Ann Rolwing, Jim Rolwing,, Ray Rehder, Frank Tatum, Shirley Young, Myrna Cheek, Margaret Anderson, Susan Werner, Myrt Kellett. Ron McCormick, Steve Sullivan, Lynette Shirrell, Darlene Felts, Mary T Pelczynski, Wes Drury, Connie Drury, Cory Hutchenson, Bridget Hutchenson, Jeff Shawan and Dan Hutton.
Minutes of 5/5/16 were approved as read by Alan Pendergrass. John McMillin made motion to approve, 2nd by Margaret Anderson and passed.
Treasurer's Report: No report
Earl Morris, one of Scott County's delegates at State Caucus, suddenly passed away immediately after the end of the caucus. Earl had been involved with the Redmand and Ruth Dunham Memorial Scholarship and those closest to him have asked us to support this scholarship in lieu of any other memorial. Alan Pendergrass made a motion to donate $100.00 in memory of Earl Morris to the scholarship. Seconded by John Chadd and passed. We are also encouraging others to make private donations to the scholarship. Please make your checks to Redmand and Ruth Dunham Memorial Scholarship. They can be sent directly to SEMO Foundation, C/O Trudy Lee, One University Plaza, MS7300, Cape Girardeau MO 63701
Committee Reports:
Headquarters: Still looking. There was discussion about several different locations but nothing yet agreed upon. Alan Pendergrass will open a Chaffee HQ.
Fundraising: Lynette Shirrell reported that we need money! There will be a Yard sale at Lynette Shirrell's home at 1204 Fairfield, Sikeston MO mid July to early August. If you have yard sale items please bring them to Lynette's home and she'll store until the sale.
Dr Ben Carson Scholarship: Carrie Yanson announced that on 6/3/16 at 2:30 at Suzie's in Sikeston, there will be an award ceremony recognizing the 9 local students that will be sharing the $17,000 scholarship fund. This will complete the funds from the event.
Candidates:
Jeff Shawan spoke on behalf of John Brunner. He also mentioned that John Brunner will be in Dexter on 6/13/16 at the Stoddard County Republican Club meeting held at the Hickory Log. Meeting starts at 6:30.
Cory Hutchinson is a Republican candidate for Sherriff in Mississippi County and is running unopposed in the primary. He told us about his experiences and asked for our support.
Wes Drury is a Republican Candidate for Sherriff in Scott County. He asked for our support. He is running Opposed in the Republican Primary.
Myrna Cheek spoke briefly on behalf of Bev Randles for Lt Governor.
OLD BUSINESS:
State Caucus; Anna Voelker spoke about some of the platform resolutions that were passed as well as the delegates that were elected.
NEW BUSINESS:
Events:
Dr Ben Carson Event Scholarship Award: Suzie's in Sikeston, 2:30pm on 6/3/16.
Meet and Greet for Mark Parson, Candidate for Lt Governor at Cheers in Sikeston at 5:30 on 6/15/16. Hosted by Ellen Brandom.
Next meeting: July 7th, 2016 , 6:30 at the Grecian Steakhouse in Sikeston.
John McMillin made a motion to adjourn, 2nded by Carrie Yanson and passed.
Upon sending the letter, Rep Smith stated, “The Obama Administration’s attempt to intimidate Missouri public schools by threatening to pull funding if they don’t comply with this ridiculous and unsafe new executive action is unconstitutional and outrageous. Something must be done to protect children of our public schools across Missouri.”
Smith continued, “It is imperative that Attorney General Koster join in filing the 11- state federal lawsuit, he has already stated that the President was “wrong to dictate a national policy so quickly and unilaterally”, now is the time to act.”
The lawsuit brought by officials from 11 states asks the court to block the federal government from “implementing, applying or enforcing the new rules, regulations and guidance interpretations.” This is the first suit filed against the Obama administration in response to its controversial transgender bathroom directive. States in the suit include Texas, Alabama, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arizona, Maine, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah and Georgia.
