Jason Smith: “Thank you very much. First, I would like to thank Congressman Clay and also Congressman Graves for their kind remarks…”

“Thank you very much. First, I would like to thank Congressman Clay and also Congressman Graves for their kind remarks and also the Missouri delegation. Thanks for being here, and it's great to have that support right behind you. Less than 18 hours ago, I was standing before friends and family in my small town of Salem, Missouri, and had just gotten elected. We hit the ground running and wanted to make sure that we didn't waste any time to get up here. All I can say is that I truly look forward to working with every Member of this body. There are 435 of us. My goal is to get to know each and every one of you and help move the country forward one step at a time. I know that we're not going to agree on everything, but do you know what? We need to find those places that we do agree on the issues and then come together and work for the better. I think that we can do that, and I look forward to working with the entire Chamber. It is truly an honor and a pleasure to represent the fine folks from southeast and south central Missouri, following in the good footsteps of my friend Jo Ann Emerson and also the late Bill Emerson. Thank you all very much, and I look forward to working with you. ____________________”