Congressman Smith Capitol Report

Protecting the Unborn’s Right to Life

October 6, 2017

Forty-four years have passed since the Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade, and as a result more than 59 million innocent lives have tragically been lost. To put that into perspective, that would be like aborting every baby born in the United States since 2002. Every representative, every physician and every American must be reminded that at the center of our Pro-Life struggle is the protection of innocent lives.

Life is precious. Just this week, we were reminded of the fragility of life yet again, when a crazed individual murdered 59 people and injured hundreds more in Las Vegas.  

I believe that life for everyone begins at conception, and we must do everything we can to protect those unborn. This week, the U.S. House of Representatives, with my support, advanced the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.  This bill was inspired by a little boy named Micah. Micah was born prematurely at just 20 weeks. He is now a thriving, healthy five-year-old. Micah is living proof that children born as young as 20 weeks have the potential to grow up and live completely normal lives. "Micah's Law" will close the loophole in current law which allows these children to be aborted.

At 20 weeks, babies can feel pain, respond to voices and even hear music. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act ensures that any healthcare provider who breaks this law and preforms an abortion after 20 weeks will be punished, and allows them to be fined and imprisoned.

This bill is a step in the right direction to save innocent lives. In addition to supporting the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, I have voted repeatedly and consistently to defund planned parenthood and make sure that no taxpayer funds are used for abortions.

Instead, I have supported pregnancy resource centers like Birthright in Cape Girardeau who protect innocent lives and provide critical resources to mothers and families. I have spent time with them, and I can tell you first hand that they are putting taxpayer dollars to good use and using them to protect unborn babies’ right to life.

I have never wavered from my firm belief that life is precious and must be protected. I share this belief with President Trump and am proud to work along-side him to advance some of the pro-life goals he has outlined. Our President is committed to lead in the fight for life and advancing policies that make America a place where unborn children and their mothers are treated with compassion and justice. He has proved this commitment when he nominated Justice in Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court and by signaling his support for "Micah’s Law." I am proud to stand with the millions across the country who want to protect the unborn’s right to life and will continue to work with Republicans and Democrats alike to recognize the value of life at all stages.

Smith Stops Federal Funds for Sanctuary Cities

Smith authors and passes bill to prevent Sanctuary Cities from using Missourians’ tax dollars

WASHINGTON, D.C.  - Congressman Jason Smith authored and passed an amendment this evening by a vote of 225-195 that stops federal highway funds for sanctuary cities. Cities like San Francisco use federal tax dollars to improve their roads, highways and bridges while at the same time breaking U.S. law by protecting all illegal immigrants in their city from deportation. The legislation echoes an earlier executive order by President Trump to cut off federal grants to sanctuary cities by prohibiting all federal transportation, housing and development funds from going to sanctuary cities for the coming fiscal year. 

“We are a nation of law and order, and cities that actively work against the law of the land should face consequences. I am proud to say that my home state of Missouri doesn’t have any sanctuary cities which is exactly why Missourians’ hard-earned federal tax dollars shouldn’t go to U.S. cities that cannot follow the law of the land,” said Congressman Smith. “The bottom line is, cities and counties that fail to work with us to make America safe cannot be trusted with federal funds.”

Over 300 cities and counties have policies to stonewall the federal government and prevent the Department of Homeland Security from effectively enforcing the United States’ immigration laws. Smith’s legislation would keep more than $56.5 billion federal tax dollars from going to sanctuary cities.

“I completely agree with President Trump, sanctuary cities are a threat to the safety of Missourians and all Americans,” said Congressman Smith. “That is why I am fighting to keep federal funds away from cities like San Francisco that violate federal laws and use Missourians' hard-earned federal tax dollars to harbor and shield criminals from the full reach of the law.”

This amendment builds on Smith’s No Transportation Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act which would prevent sanctuary cities from receiving any federal highway funds.

Smith has a strong record of voting for and passing legislation that secures America’s border and puts the safety of Missourians first.

In June, with the support of President Trump, Smith acted to give U.S. Customs and Border Protection more resources to secure the border by making it easier for them to hire military veterans and law enforcement officers. In July, he continued his work to enhance U.S. security by advancing Kate’s Law which will keep Missouri and all Americans safe from the danger of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. At the same time, he voted for the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, which increases penalties for Sanctuary Cities and disqualifies them from receiving some federal funds.

The text of Smith’s legislation can be found here.