Ways & Means
With its broad jurisdiction, the Ways and Means Committee impacts our pocketbooks, and in turn, nearly every aspect of our daily lives. The countries where Nebraskans can buy and sell goods, the taxes we pay, and the Social Security benefits some may receive are just a handful of the topics which fall under the committee's influence.
Learn more about how the Committee on Ways and Means impacts you by visiting the links below.
More on Ways & Means
The Easter holiday is a special time of year to celebrate and spend precious time with family. As the spring brings signs of new growth to trees and fields, we are reminded of the gift of life, the resurrection of Christ, and the blessing of creating memories with loved ones. My work on behalf Third District Nebraskans in Congress is especially meaningful when it serves to strengthen families and the relationships most fundamental for our communities.
International trade policy has been in the spotlight recently as President Trump advances his agenda to ensure American products are treated fairly in the global marketplace. Engagement with our trade partners is vital to our economic health and creating opportunity for Americans, and it is clear the president has the world’s attention.
Washington, DC — Today Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the IRA Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act to amend a restriction in the tax code preventing donors from making Qualified Charitable Distributions to donor-advised funds (DAFs). Current law prohibits individuals from using an IRA Charitable Rollover to contribute to a DAF. DAFs allow individuals and families to designate funds for charitable giving upfront and allocate the funds to their preferred charities over a number of years.
Washington, DC — Today, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after President Trump announced a 90-day reciprocal tariff pause, reducing rates to 10 percent for trading partners and increasing the tariff rate for China.
As we near the final days of tax season, customer service at the IRS is on the minds of many Americans. Most Americans work hard and pay their taxes in good faith, yet in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, 32 percent of customers said they were dissatisfied with their experience with the agency’s Independent Office of Appeals. Sadly, these rates have trended in the wrong direction since Democrats poured $80 billion into the IRS to hire 87,000 new agents in 2022. In FY21 just 19 percent of taxpayers reported dissatisfaction with the IRS.
Washington, DC — Today, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after he joined President Donald Trump at the White House, where the president declared a national emergency caused by unfair foreign trade and economic practices and announced implementation of a comprehensive reciprocal tariff regime.
Washington, DC — Today, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) submitted its 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) to Congress. The NTE is an annual report detailing foreign trade barriers faced by U.S. exporters and USTR’s efforts to reduce those barriers.
As the top-ranked state for commercial cattle slaughter and the nation’s top beef exporter, Nebraska has long earned the title “The Beef State.” In fact, 58 percent of the total value of state’s agricultural production originates from livestock. This rich heritage of excellence in the cattle industry is worth celebrating and upholding. It also provides an extraordinary foundation for growth and advancement.
Washington, DC — Today Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), John Larson (D-CT), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, legislation to help address the shortages in essential veterinary services facing rural communities.
Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
The members released the following statements:
Washington, DC — Today Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) reintroduced legislation to ensure federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds are used to help the neediest Americans. The bill, the Targeting TANF to Families in Need Act, would direct states to ensure TANF assistance is targeted toward households with income below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. Currently no federal eligibility limits for TANF exist.
The congressmen released the following statements: