Graves Introduces Rep. Jason Smith on House Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) today welcomed Jason Smith, the newly elected Congressman from Missouri's Eighth District, by introducing him to the full House of Representatives in a floor speech. Graves is the dean of Missouri's Republican House members. His remarks came moments after Congressman Smith was sworn in by House Speaker John Boehner. Below are Congressman Graves' remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Speaker,

On behalf of the Missouri delegation, I am pleased to present our newest member.

Jason Smith is a seventh-generation Missourian, who lives on the same family farm in South Central Missouri that has been in his family since his great grandfather.

He graduated from my alma mater, the University of Missouri. He has been involved in agriculture and practicing law. As a farmer, I believe this body can never have enough farmers.

As the Speaker Pro-Tem of the Missouri House, Jason was a champion of the rights and values for farmers and rural Missourians.

He passed legislation that required the state to make sure small businesses were not being harmed by state regulations.

Mr. Speaker, Missouri is known as the Show Me State. Last night, Jason won his special election with over 67% of the vote. He indeed is a true representative of Missouri's Eighth Congressional District.

I am excited to add his experience and knowledge to our Missouri delegation and this esteemed body as a whole. Mr. Speaker, I could not be more pleased to welcome Jason Smith here today, and I look forward to working closely with him on behalf of our state and nation.

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