Revised Farm Bill Passes the House
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2642 - a revised version of the 2013 House Farm Bill which did not address the nutrition title. While this is not the process I would have preferred, passage of the bill is a step in the right direction toward enacting longer-term farm policy. Click here to read my full statement .
Rural Postal Services Act
This week, I introduced H.R. 2615, the Securing Access to Rural Postal Services Act along with Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC). The bill would ensure rural service is not disproportionately targeted by capping rural closures and consolidations at 5 percent of total closures and consolidations in any given year.
Closing smaller retail locations will not solve the Postal Service’s serious financial problems, and given the importance of universal service, rural post offices should not be targeted. This bill is a commonsense solution which would help the Postal Service uphold its mission to serve all Americans while it addresses its long-term fiscal challenges. Click here to learn more about this legislation .
Washington Report: The House Approach to Immigration Reform
The United States Senate recently passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill. However, the House will not ‘rubber stamp’ the Senate bill. Our founders intentionally designed the House and Senate differently, and intended each chamber to act its will. We have the right and responsibility to consider all issues, including immigration, using a different approach.
The Senate version of the bill is unlikely to get very far in the House because of concerns about border security along with other potential problems. This does not mean the House will not act. We intend to take a piece-by-piece approach to immigration reform based on freedom, opportunity, and the rule of law.
There is no question our immigration system is broken. Under our current structure, legally immigrating to the U.S. is a burdensome, complex, expensive, and bureaucratic process. We are a nation of immigrants, we should welcome those who want to contribute to our economy and society and obey our laws. The current policies force many to hire a lawyer, pay thousands of dollars, and wait years for the chance to provide a better life for their families.
By improving our immigration system, more workers will have the opportunity to legally pursue the American dream. Immigrants would pay taxes and become more integrated in our communities rather than live in the shadows. We also would better know who is in our country, which will help improve our national security.
This solution also would allow us to better focus our resources on stopping drug traffickers, human smugglers, terrorists, and other criminals from illegally entering the country. Despite repeatedly increasing funding for border security, the Border Patrol is still unable to adequately do its job because it is overwhelmed apprehending migrants who are seeking work and opportunity in our country.
I oppose amnesty. We need a solution to illegal immigration which is consistent with our principles as Americans. The rule of law must be respected and we must not diminish the patriotic tradition of those who legally immigrate.
Immigration reform stirs strong feelings on all sides of this complicated issue. There are no easy answers, but failure to act continues the current system which everyone agrees is unsustainable. I am hopeful we can get to the best policy by allowing the legislative process to work. 
ADRIAN SMITH
Member of Congress
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