Earlier this week, Representative Jason Smith was tapped to lead the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means.
The Missouri Republican will lead the oldest committee in the U.S. Congress, which is the principal tax-writing body in the House of Representatives.
The committee oversees not only taxes and revenue generation, but also tariffs and reciprocal trade agreements for the United States.
USA Rice member and Missouri farmer Zach Worrell says, “Congressman Smith has long been a friend of Missouri agriculture and especially Missouri rice,” adding, “We are looking forward to having a rice industry ally lead this committee to advocate for U.S. rice on a global scale on the many trade issues we face.”
Tax policy continues to be an important issue for rice farmers and rice-related businesses looking to pass operations onto the next generation. Smith is a farmer, businessman, and former state legislator, and is currently serving his sixth term representing Missouri’s 8th Congressional District.